Election 2026

From left to right: Sen. Dick Durbin, former Secretary of State Jesse White, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Gov. JB Pritzker celebrate at Governor’s Day at the 2022 Illinois State Fair in Springfield.

Duckworth endorses Lt. Gov. Stratton for U.S. Senate seat to replace Durbin

Ben Szalinski

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Monday in the 2026 Democratic primary for Illinois’ open seat to replace longtime Sen. Dick Durbin.

A man in a blue polo shirt speaks passionately at a podium with a microphone, possibly discussing his U.S. Senate primary run. Several people sit behind him, some holding signs and wearing red shirts, with a partially visible banner in the background.

Illinois News

Rep. Darin LaHood considering GOP primary bid for Sen. Dick Durbin's seat

Tina Sfondeles

Rep. Darin LaHood is considering and is open to a primary run for the U.S. Senate seat, according to a source with direct knowledge of the congressman’s thinking. The congressman has about $5.8 million cash on hand to help a potential bid.

A person speaks passionately at a podium with a microphone, gesturing with one hand. An American flag and a flag with an eagle emblem are visible, with a blue backdrop behind them during the Stratton announcement for the Senate seat.

Illinois News

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton becomes first major Democrat to launch Senate bid to replace Durbin

Tina Sfondeles

Stratton’s announcement in an early morning video comes just a day after Sen. Dick Durbin announced he’s stepping down from the Senate seat he’s held since 1996.