Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton raised more than $1 million in her first fundraising quarter as a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, according to figures released this week by her campaign.
The total marks a strong early showing as Stratton joins a growing field of candidates seeking to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in 2026.
“We’re thrilled with the support coming in from across the state, and it’s reflective of the broad, winning coalition we’re building,” said Dovile Cather, Juliana for Illinois campaign manager. “Our campaign has a clear path to victory and we’re confident that with the resources to reach voters and tell them about Juliana, we’ll win their support.”
Stratton has secured endorsements from prominent leaders across Illinois, including:
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Governor JB Pritzker
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U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
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Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate
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Elected officials from Lake County
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Numerous downstate mayors and county chairs
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Members of the Illinois Asian American Caucus
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More than 50 LGBTQ+ Illinois leaders
The announcement positions Stratton as a competitive candidate in a high-profile primary, where name recognition, endorsements, and early fundraising totals are likely to play key roles.