Who is Juliana Stratton and what is Stratton running on in the 2026 Illinois Senate race?
Juliana Stratton (D) is the heavy favorite in the 2026 Illinois Senate race, with about a 98% chance of winning, according to Kalshi and Polymarket on Oct 1.
Answer from Mary's digital twin. Checkmark turns Green once she confirms it.
Juliana Stratton is the Democratic candidate for Illinois U.S. Senate. Lieutenant Governor of Illinois since 2019; former state representative. Won the March 17 primary with 40.4% over Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The race
Chance of winning: Kalshi and Polymarket, Oct 1
- The seat: Open seat (Dick Durbin retiring).
- Rating: Solid D (Cook, Inside Elections).
Why Stratton is ahead
- Illinois is strongly Democratic; Republicans have not won a Senate race there since 2010.
- Stratton is a sitting statewide official with Gov. Pritzker’s backing, including a $5M super PAC investment in the primary.
- The national environment favors Democrats in 2026, and Tracy, a former state party chair, has little profile or money.
What Stratton is running on
- Healthcare. Supports Medicare for All.
- Immigration. Calls for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Trump. Promises to confront President Trump directly, including on immigration.
- Cost of living / wages. Pledges to fight for higher wages.
In Stratton’s own words
“We are ready to take our democracy back into our own hands.”
The other candidates
Every race
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