Juliana Stratton leads Illinois Senate race as election approaches

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton holds a significant polling advantage in the race to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Recent polling indicates Stratton leads Republican nominee Don Tracy by 13 points among likely voters as the 2026 Senate campaign enters its final weeks.

Stratton has centered her platform on healthcare affordability, reproductive rights, immigration, and economic opportunity. She has notably declined corporate PAC money, contrasting her approach with Tracy, who has utilized personal wealth to finance his campaign. If elected, Stratton would become only the third Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, joining Laphonza Butler and Angela Alsobrooks.

Her campaign has received endorsements and support from prominent Democratic figures, including former Vice President Kamala Harris.