Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is projected to win the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat long held by Sen. Dick Durbin, defeating a crowded field that included U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. With roughly 80% of the vote counted, Stratton led with about 39%, ahead of Krishnamoorthi and Kelly, who trailed in second and third place.

Stratton’s victory comes in one of the most closely watched and expensive Senate primaries of the 2026 cycle. The race drew significant national attention following Durbin’s decision to retire after nearly three decades in office, creating an open seat in a reliably Democratic state.

Backed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Stratton overcame a major fundraising gap. Krishnamoorthi raised more than $30 million, far outpacing Stratton’s campaign totals, while outside groups, including a Pritzker-funded political action committee, spent heavily to boost her candidacy.

The primary featured sharp exchanges over campaign funding and policy positions, including disputes over corporate donations and immigration enforcement. Stratton positioned herself as a progressive candidate, supporting policies such as Medicare for All, a higher federal minimum wage, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Stratton will face Republican Don Tracy, a former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, in the November general election. Illinois has consistently favored Democrats in statewide races, making her the early favorite heading into the fall contest.

If elected, Stratton would become one of a small number of Black women to serve in the U.S. Senate and the fourth African American senator from Illinois.