Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton won the state’s Democratic primary for Senate on Tuesday night, overcoming a surge in spending from crypto industry groups with the help of financial and political backing from Governor JB Pritzker.

Stratton defeated Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who had a huge financial advantage for most of the race, and Rep. Robin Kelly, to claim the nomination. The seat was open due to the pending retirement of Sen. Dick Durbin, a longtime member of the Senate Democratic leadership.

Accompanied by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (left), Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is running for a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate, speaks to residents of Avalon Park's Montclare Senior Residences in Chicago, March 12, 2026.
Accompanied by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (left), Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is running for a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate, speaks to residents of Avalon Park’s Montclare Senior Residences in Chicago, March 12, 2026.

AP Photo/Sophia Tareen

Krishnamoorthi, a prolific fundraiser, entered the race with a $19 million war chest and began airing ads last summer, eventually building a substantial lead. Meanwhile, Stratton struggled with fundraising, raising just over $4 million over the course of the campaign.

But the support of Pritzker, a billionaire and likely presidential contender in 2028, proved crucial in driving Stratton’s return. She invested more than $5 million in a super PAC that supported her and helped close the financial gap.

Fairshake, a super PAC created and funded by the crypto industry, jumped in late in the race and spent $10 million attacking Stratton, citing regulations on the industry that she and Pritzker supported. However, Crypto’s money was not enough to stop the momentum that Stratton had created.

Stratton is now the heavy favorite to win in November. If he does, there will be three black women in the Senate for the first time. (Senators Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware are the others.)