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A Democratic fight for an Illinois Senate seat is testing the sway of JB Pritzker, pro-crypto forces and anti-ICE messaging

Stratton is campaigning with Pritzker’s support and has made opposition to Trump’s immigration crackdown and crypto-related spending central contrasts in the race.

A Democratic fight for an Illinois Senate seat is testing the sway of JB Pritzker, pro-crypto forces and anti-ICE messaging
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This article1 analysis · Oct 8, 2026
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Mar 16, 2026
tl;dr

Illinois Democrats are choosing among Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Juliana Stratton to succeed Dick Durbin, in a costly primary shaped by Gov. JB Pritzker’s support for Stratton, crypto-related spending and disagreements over immigration enforcement. The contest is also being watched as a test of Pritzker’s influence and of the candidates’ messages on issues facing Democrats nationally.

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VOTING CLOSED
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No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Stratton in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Stratton’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

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Illinois lieutenant governor and Democratic Senate candidate

PRIMARY SUBJECT

Illinois representative and Democratic Senate candidate

Kelly's version of this story ↗

Illinois representative and Democratic Senate candidate

Krishnamoorthi's version of this story ↗

New York representative who has backed Kelly and criticized Pritzker’s involvement

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose immigration crackdown is a point of dispute in the primary

Richard J. Durbin
D · IL · SEN

Retiring Illinois senator whose seat is being contested

Tammy Duckworth
D · IL · SEN

Illinois senator who endorsed Stratton

Jim Clyburn
D · SC-6

South Carolina representative who headlined a fundraiser with Kelly

Kristi Noem
Former U.S. Representative (R-SD)

Homeland Security secretary whom Kelly introduced legislation to impeach

Elizabeth Warren
D · MA · SEN

Massachusetts senator who supports Stratton and criticized crypto-related outside spending

ALSO MENTIONED  JB Pritzker, Illinois governor and supporter of Juliana Stratton; Michelle Harris, Local alderman who urged voters to consider Stratton

Part of a bigger story

24 OUTLETS
Juliana Stratton Wins Illinois Democratic Senate Primary

Juliana Stratton won Illinois’ Democratic Senate primary for the seat being vacated by Dick Durbin. Left-leaning outlets present the win as a progressive victory and, in some coverage, a representation milestone. Center outlets report the result while also examining Pritzker’s influence, spending and campaign contrasts. Right-leaning outlets likewise focus on Pritzker’s influence, with more emphasis on controversies and ideological stakes.

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