Juliana Stratton, the lieutenant governor of Illinois, is working for the U.S. Senate within the 2026 election. Stratton formally launched her marketing campaign on Thursday, simply sooner or later after Senator Dick Durbin, 80, introduced that he wouldn’t search re-election after serving within the seat for extra practically 30 years and in america Congress for greater than 40 years.
In a marketing campaign launch video, Stratton, 59, framed her candidacy round standing as much as President Donald Trump and his administration’s actions to enact important spending cuts within the federal authorities and his financial insurance policies that aren’t driving down the price of residing.
“I’m working for Senate as a result of the one manner out of this mess is to convey new power, new voices and new leaders who perceive the lives of working individuals,” mentioned Stratton, who, earlier than being elected to the LG’s workplace in 2018, served within the Illinois Home of Representatives and earlier than that labored as an legal professional and administrative legislation decide. “Be part of our marketing campaign, and collectively, we are able to cease Trump and arise for Illinois.”
“Since Donald Trump took energy, it’s been continuous information, continuous chaos and continuous disaster, and that’s not by chance,” mentioned Stratton, who accused the president and his billionaire advisor Elon Musk of making an attempt to “distract” the American public and “create such a large number that we don’t even know the place to begin.” She mentioned that “the outdated playbook isn’t working.”
Against this, Stratton mentioned her management in partnership with Gov. J.B. Pritzker has made an actual distinction within the lives of Illinois residents.
I’m Juliana Stratton, and I am working for United States Senate. pic.twitter.com/x93ZIml7WZ
— Juliana Stratton (@JulianaStratton) April 24, 2025
“Whereas Trump and Republicans in D.C. have proposed reducing practically a trillion {dollars} in well being care in Illinois, we’ve wiped away medical debt. Whereas their reckless tariffs make costs skyrocket, we’ve eradicated the grocery tax for households throughout Illinois,” shared the lieutenant governor.
Stratton additionally highlighted her background because the daughter of a trainer and Navy veteran—and now mom of 4—who grew up on the south facet of Chicago.
“My story isn’t the story of a typical senator. Then once more, typical isn’t what we want proper now,” she mentioned. “My journey to public service was impressed by serving as the first caregiver for my mother when she was identified with Alzheimer’s.”
Stratton recalled deciding to enter politics as a result of she had been a caretaker for her mom when she was sick and former Republican Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner tried to “lower well being look after seniors like her.” Stratton defined, “So I made a decision to run for state consultant, and I gained.”
“I introduced the voices of working households with me,” mentioned Stratton, who additionally touted her and Gov. Pritzker’s work to lift the minimal wage to $15 an hour, create 1000’s of jobs by means of file infrastructure funding within the state, and go legal guidelines to enhance gun security and shield abortion rights.
Stratton had been anticipated to enter the race for the U.S. Senate as soon as Durbin introduced his anticipated retirement. She is the primary particular person to declare their candidacy. Her potential election can also be historic, as two Black ladies–U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland–at present serve within the Senate, a primary in U.S. historical past. If elected, three Black ladies may serve concurrently within the Senate for the primary time.
Different Black ladies, together with Illinois Congresswomen Lauren Underwood and Robin Kelly, are anticipated to enter the race.
