By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/juliana-stratton-makes-history-with-black-women-in-the-senate Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Juliana Stratton makes history with Black women in the Senate Politics Nov 3, 2026 8:46 PM EST Democrat Juliana Stratton won election Tuesday to the U.S. Senate representing Illinois, defeating Republican Don Tracy. Currently lieutenant governor, Stratton will succeed Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat who is retiring after five terms. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Stratton will be the second Black woman to serve Illinois in the Senate. She was twice elected lieutenant governor as Gov. JB Pritzker's running mate and had Pritzker's endorsement in a contentious Democratic Senate primary. Stratton backs Medicare for All and is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, including his decision to deploy National Guard and federal immigration agents in Chicago. Tracy is a former Illinois Republican Party chairman. Stratton's election marks the first time in history three Black women will be in office at the same time in the U.S. Senate.…
Juliana Stratton makes history with Black women in the Senate
In short
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton defeated Republican Don Tracy to succeed retiring five-term Democratic Senator Dick Durbin. Her election establishes a historic milestone, resulting in three Black women serving simultaneously in the U.S. Senate for the first time. Stratton previously secured the endorsement of Governor JB Pritzker during a contentious Democratic primary after serving two terms as his running mate. In the Senate, the Medicare for All supporter brings a record of challenging former President Donald Trump on federal deployments to Chicago.
Key points
- Juliana Stratton will serve as the second Black woman in history to represent the state o…: Juliana Stratton will serve as the second Black woman in history to represent the state of Illinois in the Senate chamber.
- Fellow Democratic Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Mary…: Fellow Democratic Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland will serve alongside Stratton without facing election this cycle.
- Stratton's political background includes serving two terms as Illinois lieutenant governo…: Stratton's political background includes serving two terms as Illinois lieutenant governor and advocating for Medicare for All policies.