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Illinois’s Next Black Senator Deserves Credit for Her Own Campaign

Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton was buoyed by millions spent by Governor JB Pritzker, but she won a tough race on her own merit.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is poised to become the third Black woman sitting senator next year (and only the sixth in history), winning a widely watched primary against two congressional opponents Tuesday night. For most media, the big takeaway is the role of billionaire Governor JB Pritzker, who spent big on behalf of Stratton and campaigned for her across the state. Pritzker’s role is being seen as another marker on his road to a run for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2028. 

But that has crowded out Stratton’s own accomplishment. More progressive than the governor, Stratton renewed calls to “Abolish ICE” in her victory speech. She also supports a $25 minimum wage, and has said she will not vote to make Chuck Schumer Senate Leader when she goes to Washington. Her profile rose as she fought alongside Pritzker during ICE’s “Operation Midway Blitz” last year. The Pritzker focus also obscured what some are calling a victory for the Black community, which saw two highly qualified Black women–Stratton faced Rep. Robin Kelly in the primary, with some observers anguished over the possibility that the two women would split the Black vote and clear a lane for centrist Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, backed by AI and crypto interests.

“Congratulations to Juliana Stratton on her victory. Tuesday reflects what is possible when Black women are supported to lead,” Glynda C. Carr, President and CEO of Higher Heights for America PAC, a group that fights for Black women leaders, said in a statement late Tuesday night. “To see two dynamic Black women competing at this level is not a challenge, it is a sign of progress. It speaks to the growth of a pipeline that is strong, capable, and ready.”

The race was nonetheless occasionally bitter between Stratton and Kelly, with the Congressional Black Caucus firmly behind Kelly. Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks was the only Black congressmember to........

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