Pritzker’s Heavy Spending and Stratton’s 'Abolish ICE' Stance Define Illinois Democratic Senate Primary Win
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton was projected the winner of the Democratic primary to replace Sen. Dick Durbin and will face Republican Don Tracy in November, in a contest widely read as a test of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s clout. Stratton’s campaign, which prominently embraced an “abolish ICE” stance, was buoyed by heavy, visible spending from Pritzker—who personally gave at least $5 million and helped finance a super PAC that ran most pro‑Stratton ads—while opponents benefited from massive outside spending, including nearly $10 million in crypto‑funded attacks and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s roughly $30 million war chest. The outcome is being framed as proof of Pritzker’s kingmaker power amid concerns about split Black voter support and a disputed Jesse Jackson endorsement.
📌 Key Facts
- Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the March 17, 2026 Democratic primary for Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat and will face former Illinois GOP chair Don Tracy in the November general election (AP projection; Tracy won the Republican primary).
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker acted as a dominant backer: he personally donated at least $5 million and a Pritzker‑funded PAC (Illinois Future) spent more than $10 million overall, supplying the bulk of pro‑Stratton advertising and appearing as the visible 'face' of her closing campaign (including a final ad with Pritzker’s voice‑over).
- The Democratic primary was one of the most expensive in Illinois: candidates and outside groups spent more than $50 million on ads; Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi raised roughly $30 million and benefited from crypto‑funded super PAC spending (nearly $10 million), while Stratton received millions from Pritzker‑aligned groups and Kelly trailed with smaller war chests.
- Outside spending was heavily concentrated and opaque: crypto‑aligned groups (Fairshake, Protect Progress) and AIPAC‑tied super PACs together poured tens of millions into Illinois races (Fairshake ~ $10 million vs. Stratton; AIPAC‑linked groups and allies more than $21 million statewide), and AI‑industry PACs also contributed millions to other contests.
- The three leading Democrats—Stratton, Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Robin Kelly—ran on opposing Trump‑era deportation policies but took distinct stances on enforcement: Stratton explicitly called for abolishing ICE and prosecuting some agents; Kelly advocated dismantling ICE, Border Patrol and USCIS and rebuilding DHS; Krishnamoorthi framed his position as abolishing Trump’s 'use of ICE,' pledging no more funding for ICE/CBP and backing various oversight reforms.
- Racial and strategic dynamics mattered: many Black leaders worried that Stratton and Kelly (both Black) would split the Black vote and advantage Krishnamoorthi; some outside groups backing Krishnamoorthi actively promoted Kelly to pull support from Stratton.
- The campaign included a disputed endorsement episode: Stratton’s campaign circulated a sample ballot saying the late Rev. Jesse Jackson had endorsed her, but Jackson’s family said the document was a draft released without authorization and that they would not be issuing endorsements this cycle.
- Polling and turnout context was mixed and limited: independent polling on the Democratic primary was scarce (about 12 public polls since 2026), results conflicted with different leaders in early/mid‑March surveys, and outlets reported the race as undecided but leaning toward Stratton as returns came in.
📊 Relevant Data
As of 2026, only five Black women have ever served in the U.S. Senate, making Juliana Stratton potentially the sixth if she wins the general election.
Black Americans comprise about 14% of the U.S. population but only 5% of U.S. Senators in the 119th Congress (5 out of 100).
The changing face of Congress in 7 charts — Pew Research Center
Support for abolishing ICE varies by race: 69% of Black Americans, 68% of Hispanic Americans, and 67% of AAPI Americans have little or no confidence in ICE, compared to 49% of White Americans.
Cryptocurrency ownership shows racial disparities: Among millennials, 27% of Asian users, 21% of Black and Hispanic users, and 20% of White users are involved in crypto.
Demographics of crypto investors — Learn Crypto
Reducing immigration by removing 50% of unauthorized immigrants would increase real wages of U.S.-born workers by only 0.15% nationally in the short run, but decrease them by 0.33% in the long run due to capital decumulation.
New Research Finds Reducing Immigration Does Not Help US Workers — Forbes
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
Pritzker power play
"A Politico Playbook roundup argues Juliana Stratton’s primary win was chiefly a victory for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s money and machine, highlights mixed returns for big outside spenders (AIPAC, AI/crypto), and frames the night as an early test of Pritzker’s national political clout."
📰 Source Timeline (18)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
March 18, 2026
10:17 AM
Pritzker’s Gamble to Become a Kingmaker in Illinois Pays Off
New information:
- New York Times details that Pritzker-funded super PAC supplied the vast majority of pro-Stratton advertising, with a closing ad that featured Pritzker more than Stratton and used his voice-over.
- Article describes Pritzker and Stratton hopscotching around Chicago together in the final weeks, touring senior centers and El train stops, making Pritzker the visible 'face' of her campaign.
- Pritzker is described as 'widely seen as having presidential aspirations in 2028,' and Stratton’s win is framed as proof he can push a relatively unknown, underfunded ally to a Senate nomination over rivals with more money, name recognition and experience.
- Pritzker publicly states at Stratton’s victory party that the race was 'personal' to him because he wanted to be there for her as she had been for him.
9:57 AM
Here’s the latest.
New information:
- Confirms that at her election‑night event Juliana Stratton explicitly reiterated a campaign promise to fight to abolish ICE, directly tying that stance to her Senate bid.
- Specifies that Gov. JB Pritzker personally donated at least $5 million to a group supporting Stratton, in addition to funding a super PAC that provided most of her positive advertising.
- Clarifies the November matchup: Stratton will face Don Tracy, a former Illinois Republican Party chair, and would be the sixth Black woman ever to serve in the U.S. Senate if elected.
- Provides additional detail on the racial‑politics dynamic, noting concern among Stratton allies that Robin Kelly, also Black, might split Black voter support in ways that would benefit Krishnamoorthi.
- Frames the primary as a broader show of Pritzker’s political power and notes he is widely viewed as a leading 2028 presidential contender, using this cycle to act as a kingmaker.
2:52 AM
Pritzker scores big: Stratton wins Illinois Senate primary in test of governor’s clout
New information:
- AP has called the Illinois Democratic U.S. Senate primary for Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton over Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly in a crowded and expensive field.
- Fox frames Stratton as 'a giant step closer' to becoming only the fifth Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
- The piece re‑emphasizes that Gov. J.B. Pritzker poured millions from his war chest into a super PAC backing Stratton, and presents the outcome as a successful test of his political clout ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run.
2:45 AM
Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Democratic primary for Durbin's Senate seat
New information:
- Confirms AP has projected Stratton the winner of the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Minority Whip Dick Durbin.
- Specifies that Stratton will face former Illinois Republican Party chair Don Tracy in the November general election.
- Details that Democratic Senate candidates spent more than $50 million on ads, with Krishnamoorthi spending roughly twice as much as any other candidate.
- Adds that crypto‑backed super PACs spent nearly $10 million on attack ads against Stratton, while a Pritzker‑funded PAC spent millions in her favor.
- Notes Stratton publicly called for abolishing ICE during the campaign, signaling a hard‑line immigration‑policy stance.
- Recounts a specific controversy in which Stratton suggested Rev. Jesse Jackson planned to endorse her before his death, a claim Jackson’s family disputed.
- Clarifies that Durbin did not endorse any candidate in the primary.
1:55 AM
Illinois Republicans select Don Tracy in primary elections for Sen. Durbin's seat
New information:
- Fox piece confirms Don Tracy’s primary win from the GOP side and lists the full Republican primary field he defeated: Jeannie Evans, Casey Chlebek, R. Cary Capparelli, Pamela Long, and Jimmy Lee Tillman.
- Provides a concise description of Tracy’s issue focus: lowering living costs via market competition, more consumer choice, and negotiated prescription drug prices.
- Restates that Gov. J.B. Pritzker is backing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the Democratic primary and highlights that crypto-funded super PACs have spent nearly $10 million backing Raja Krishnamoorthi.
1:48 AM
IL Senate Democratic primary leaning toward Stratton; Tracy wins GOP race
New information:
- CBS News analysis says the Democratic primary for Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat is still undecided but currently leaning toward Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton more than 90 minutes after polls closed.
- CBS News projects former Illinois Republican Party chair Don Tracy as the winner of the GOP U.S. Senate primary.
- The piece reiterates that Krishnamoorthi has raised over $30 million (second‑most of any 2026 Senate candidate), while Stratton has over $4 million and Kelly over $3 million, and details that Pritzker‑funded Illinois Future PAC has spent more than $10 million to boost Stratton, with at least $5 million from Pritzker himself.
- The article underscores that whoever wins the Democratic nomination will be a heavy favorite in November given Illinois’ two‑Republican‑senator record since 1996 and notes potential demographic milestones depending on which Democrat prevails.
1:46 AM
Don Tracy Wins Republican Senate Primary in Illinois
New information:
- Article provides additional biographical detail on Don Tracy, including that he is 75, previously worked as a truck driver and traveling salesman, and is a lawyer from downstate Illinois.
- Clarifies that Tracy campaigned on a self-described centrist platform with a stated top priority of lowering prices, particularly energy costs, and that he supports the Iran war effort despite GOP headwinds over gas prices.
- Notes Tracy’s past role as chair of the Illinois Gaming Board from 2015 to 2019 under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and includes direct quotes criticizing 'one-party' rule in Illinois.
- Includes analysis from former Sen. Mark Kirk, who says Chicago suburbs have drifted Democratic in reaction to Trump but that Tracy 'talks like a moderate,' underscoring the challenge for Republicans in a deep-blue state.
March 17, 2026
10:57 PM
Independent Polls are Scarce in the Illinois Democratic Senate Primary
New information:
- Only 12 public polls have been conducted on the Illinois Democratic Senate primary since the start of 2026, indicating relatively infrequent independent measurement.
- Recent polls from early to mid‑March 2026 show conflicting leaders: some have Juliana Stratton narrowly ahead, while others show Raja Krishnamoorthi up by 10–11 points.
- An FM3 Research poll sponsored by conservative nonprofit American Future Fund, fielded about a week before the primary, found more than 10% of likely Democratic primary voters still undecided.
- Rep. Robin Kelly has not led in any of the public polls cited, underscoring a two‑way Stratton–Krishnamoorthi dynamic in available surveys.
- The article compares the polling volatility to the recent Texas Democratic primary, where divergent polls preceded a James Talarico win by six points.
6:24 PM
Illinois voters are choosing a successor to Senator Richard J. Durbin, long a force on Capitol Hill.
New information:
- Confirms that the March 17, 2026 Illinois primary is underway, with candidates canvassing in freezing temperatures and heavy early in‑person voting in Chicago.
- Details that Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton are the leading Democratic contenders to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, with Robin Kelly trailing in polls.
- Reports that Stratton and Kelly are both seeking to become only the sixth Black woman ever to serve in the U.S. Senate and that some Black leaders fear they will split the Black vote.
- Describes the open IL‑9 House race to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky as a bitter fight among Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, 26‑year‑old progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh and state lawmaker Laura Fine, centered explicitly on disagreements over Israel.
- Notes that Jesse L. Jackson Jr., who resigned from Congress in a corruption scandal and served prison time, is now a leading candidate for Robin Kelly’s open South Side House seat.
- Highlights a disputed claim that the late Rev. Jesse Jackson endorsed Stratton, with his son Yusef D. Jackson saying Jackson had not finalized endorsements before his death.
- Frames Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s high‑profile support for Stratton, while running unopposed himself, as a test of his clout ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.
- Includes on‑the‑ground voter sentiment from young Democrats like 21‑year‑old Tim Schaefer, who says he is looking for candidates who are "anti‑Trump" and "can, like, stand up."
6:24 PM
Live Results: Illinois midterm primary elections
New information:
- Confirms that Illinois voters are casting primary ballots on March 17, 2026 for six open U.S. House and Senate seats, including the race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.
- Frames the Democratic Senate primary explicitly around three top contenders: Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, out of a field of ten Democrats and six Republicans.
- Notes that election officials are hoping for higher turnout after a record‑low 19% primary turnout in 2024 and includes a voter’s on‑the‑ground perspective prioritizing Social Security and public safety.
4:34 PM
Illinois Primaries Flooded With Money From AIPAC and Cryptocurrency
New information:
- AIPAC-tied super PACs and allied vehicles have spent more than $21 million in Illinois races, including about $5 million from United Democracy Project in IL‑7, nearly $6 million in IL‑9, $4 million in IL‑8, and over $4 million in IL‑2.
- The Chicago Progressive Partnership super PAC, already noted in the Ninth District race, has spent about $2 million statewide and shares vendors with AIPAC-linked groups, reinforcing suspicions it is part of the same network despite opaque funding.
- Crypto super PAC Fairshake has spent more than $13 million in Illinois primaries, including roughly $10 million opposing Juliana Stratton in the Democratic Senate primary and additional funds against Robert Peters in IL‑2 and La Shawn Ford in IL‑7.
- Protect Progress, another crypto-aligned group, has spent more than $400,000 opposing Stratton and supporting Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, plus over $600,000 backing Melissa Bean in IL‑8 and Nikki Budzinski in IL‑13.
- AI-industry-affiliated PAC Think Big has spent more than $2.5 million in Illinois, including about $1.4 million for Jesse Jackson Jr. in IL‑2 and the rest for Melissa Bean in IL‑8.
1:00 PM
JB Pritzker’s role in Illinois primary could set the stage for 2028
New information:
- Confirms that March 17, 2026 is Illinois primary day, explicitly situating the Stratton–Krishnamoorthi contest in real time.
- Details that Pritzker is running unopposed in the Democratic gubernatorial primary and that, if re‑elected in November, he would be the first Illinois governor elected to three terms since the 1980s.
- Provides fresh national‑ambition context: Pritzker, 61, is being closely watched as a possible 2028 presidential contender, was on Kamala Harris’ 2024 VP short list, and has repeatedly declined to rule out a White House run.
- Quotes Pritzker’s recent comments to The New York Times in which he attributes presidential speculation to his outspoken opposition to President Donald Trump and says he is "proud and pleased" people see him as potential presidential material.
- Adds expert analysis from Fordham political scientist Jacob Smith explicitly stating that a Stratton primary win would 'definitely suggest' Pritzker has substantial influence in Illinois Democratic politics.
- Reports polling showing more than 50% of Illinois residents approve of Pritzker’s job performance, reinforcing his current strength at home.
11:35 AM
Jesse Jackson's family says Illinois Senate endorsement release was not authorized
New information:
- Yusef Jackson, head of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and son of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, said a sample ballot listing Juliana Stratton as a recommended candidate was a draft released without authorization.
- Jackson stated that Rev. Jesse Jackson began, but did not finish, reviewing candidates before his death and that the family decided not to publicly release his intended selections.
- Rainbow PUSH will not be confirming or issuing political endorsements in this cycle, and the family emphasized they did not withdraw any endorsement but that the circulated document was not final.
- Stratton’s campaign says Rainbow PUSH officials told her she had Jackson’s endorsement at a Women’s History Month event and encouraged her to share the sample ballot and the news.
9:42 AM
Here’s the latest.
New information:
- Confirms that Illinois voters are heading to the polls Tuesday and frames the Senate Democratic primary as effectively a two‑way race between Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, with Rep. Robin Kelly 'consistently lagging behind in polls.'
- Details that Black leaders worry Stratton and Kelly will split the Black vote, potentially making it harder for either Black woman candidate to win.
- Notes that some outside groups backing Krishnamoorthi have actively promoted Robin Kelly as a tactical move to peel support away from Stratton among Black voters.
- Reiterates that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s success in boosting Stratton will be read as a test of his political strength ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run.
9:00 AM
Pritzker flexes political muscle in Illinois Senate primary as 2028 buzz builds
New information:
- Confirms Pritzker is unopposed for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination as he seeks a third term.
- Specifies that Pritzker has spent 'millions' from his personal war chest on a super PAC supporting Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in the Senate primary.
- Reports that a crypto‑funded super PAC has spent nearly $10 million backing Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, making him the financial frontrunner.
- Includes on‑record criticism from Congressional Black Caucus chair Rep. Yvette Clarke, accusing Pritzker of trying 'to tip the scales' and warning his 'behavior in this race won’t soon be forgotten.'
- Notes that former GOP state party chair Don Tracy and attorney Jeannie Evans are among four Republicans seeking the Senate nomination, and that four Republicans, including former state Sen. Darren Bailey, are vying for the GOP gubernatorial nod.
- Explicitly frames the Senate primary as a key test of Pritzker’s political muscle as he 'likely gears up for a 2028 presidential run' and highlights his rising national profile as a leading Democratic critic of Trump’s second‑term agenda.
9:00 AM
A major Senate primary consumed by old feuds and new money
New information:
- Rep. Yvette Clarke, as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, issued a sharply worded statement condemning Gov. JB Pritzker for 'heavy‑handing' the race and warning that his behavior will not be forgotten by the CBC.
- The article quotes Juliana Stratton saying she is 'disappointed' by Clarke’s statement but arguing she is the only Black candidate with a path to beating Krishnamoorthi and the only opportunity to elect a Black woman senator in 2026.
- It provides updated fundraising and spending detail: Krishnamoorthi has built a $30 million war chest, and Pritzker has put at least $5 million into a PAC backing Stratton, with both camps commissioning internal polls that show themselves as top contenders.
- Robin Kelly is described as remaining in the race despite lagging in most public and internal polls, appearing with Rep. James Clyburn at a fundraiser and accusing her rivals of 'trying to buy the race' while calling herself the most qualified candidate.
3:59 AM
Illinois Senate primary race is test of Pritzker's sway, Democrats' views of ICE, outside spending
New information:
- Details that all three leading Democratic Senate candidates—Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly—are running on pledges to fight Trump’s deportation policies, but with distinct positions on ICE and DHS.
- Stratton explicitly calls for ICE to be abolished, says the agency cannot be reformed, and supports prosecuting some ICE agents; she ties her stance to Democrats “holding the line” on DHS funding amid the shutdown.
- Kelly goes further, calling for dismantling ICE, Border Patrol and USCIS and rebuilding DHS from the ground up, saying the whole structure is “broken.”
- Krishnamoorthi frames his position as abolishing Trump’s “use of ICE,” vows not to give ICE or CBP “another nickel,” and backs bans on masks, mandatory ID and body cameras and third‑party force investigations.
- The article notes Pritzker’s active power‑brokering: his endorsement of Stratton and millions in campaign funds aimed at pushing his lieutenant governor into the Senate.
- Cites a February CBS News poll finding that a majority of Democratic and independent voters believe ICE operations need to be decreased and references warnings from centrist group Third Way that abolish‑ICE messaging could be 'politically lethal' in more competitive states.
March 16, 2026