Juliana Stratton Wins Senate Seat, Opening a New Chapter for Illinois

Illinois voters have chosen a new voice for Washington. Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton defeated Republican Don Tracy in the November 3 election, winning the U.S. Senate seat held for three decades by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.

Stratton’s victory marks a historic milestone. She will become the second Black woman to represent Illinois in the Senate, following Carol Moseley Braun. It also keeps the seat in Democratic hands as Illinois prepares for a significant change in its congressional leadership.

Her campaign offered voters a progressive agenda, including support for a $25 federal minimum wage and strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies.

Stratton is set to join fellow Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth when the new Congress convenes in January 2027. For the senator-elect, the next challenge will be turning campaign promises into results while succeeding one of Illinois’ longest-serving political figures.