Ambitious Democrats in Illinois are already envisioning a future without Senator Dick Durbin, particularly eyeing the 2026 vacancy. The latest name to watch is none other than the state’s lieutenant governor.
Juliana Stratton, who has held her office since 2019, is strategically positioning herself for a Senate run should Durbin decide to retire. Sources familiar with her plans, including one who spoke directly with her and two who communicated with her team, indicate that she has begun reaching out to influential Democratic figures for their backing.
Stratton is reportedly backed by Governor JB Pritzker, a key player in Illinois politics, according to these sources. To protect their identities and avoid political fallout, they requested anonymity. It seems her campaign strategy includes significant financial support from Pritzker, an expectation made clear by her team.
“Juliana remains open to future opportunities, and if she chooses to pursue higher office, she would be honored to receive the governor’s support while also aiming to cultivate a broad grassroots coalition,” stated her spokesperson, who also preferred to remain unnamed.
Pritzker, a prominent governor with aspirations for the 2028 presidential race, is already a notable donor and strategist within the Democratic Party. His substantial personal wealth could provide a considerable advantage to any candidate he endorses. His financial backing could elevate Stratton to the forefront of what is shaping up to be a competitive primary race, which already includes several members from the state’s congressional delegation.
However, Pritzker’s team has opted to stay mum regarding any endorsements or financial commitments for a potential primary, with a representative stating, “We’re not going to engage with hypotheticals for a seat that’s not even open.” This statement reflects a cautious approach, likely informed by the complexities of primary politics.
Stratton was handpicked by Pritzker, then a state representative, to be his running mate in 2017, and he recently attended a fundraising event for her newly established federal PAC.
Pritzker’s financial firepower could bolster Stratton’s PAC, as well as provide millions to other super PACs that might support her campaign. Such backing could position her as the frontrunner in a primary that, given Illinois’ deep blue political landscape, would likely lead to a Senate seat.
Furthermore, if a candidate backed by Pritzker secures the nomination, it could solidify his status as a formidable Democratic powerbroker, extending his influence beyond the borders of Illinois as the 2028 presidential election looms larger.
Durbin, who has been a Senate fixture since 1997, is expected by many Democrats to retire, though insiders suggest he has yet to make a final decision.
In a brief interview, Durbin acknowledged that Stratton is among those Democrats preparing for his potential departure, quipping, “She said if I run she’s not going to.”
Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has been building his campaign war chest for a Senate run, amassing $17.1 million by the end of 2024. Other contenders include Reps. Lauren Underwood, who flipped a Republican-held district in 2018, and Robin Kelly, a former chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, both of whom are also eyeing the open seat.
And in a twist reminiscent of a political chess game, Illinois Democrats are left pondering the next move of Rahm Emanuel, the former Chicago mayor who recently returned from his ambassadorial post in Japan. For now, he’s occupying the role of a CNN commentator.
