Illinois Senate Race: Tracy Challenges Stratton in Final Push

Illinois has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 2010. That historical gap stands as the backdrop for Tuesday's election, where current Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton faces off against attorney Don Tracy.

The Democratic primary drew a crowded field after longtime Sens. Dick Durbin decided not to seek reelection. Stratton emerged as the nominee to hold the seat. She previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019 before moving to the lieutenant governor's office. A native of Chicago's South Side, she runs on a platform aimed at affordability and economic opportunity.

Stratton has pledged to give the people what they want. She says her focus is on making life more affordable for working and middle-class families, creating economic opportunities, and protecting rights and freedoms.

Her opponent, Don Tracy, brings a varied political history to the race. Born in Urbana and raised in Mount Sterling, Tracy sought a state Senate seat as a Democrat in 2002 and ran for lieutenant governor as a Republican in 2010. He resigned as chairman of the Illinois Republican Party in 2024, weeks before the national convention, citing internal power struggles.

Tracy currently serves as senior counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens. The firm describes itself as the oldest law practice in Illinois, noting that a young Abraham Lincoln once worked there. Tracy positions his campaign around common-sense leadership and cost-of-living relief.

He has labeled Stratton the most progressive Senate candidate Illinois has ever seen. Tracy argues that everyday residents want leaders focused on helping working families lower costs, rather than politicians pushing extreme agendas. He vows to represent the entire state, not just Chicago.

The two candidates will compete for the final vote on Tuesday. The result will determine which party holds the Senate seat vacated by Durbin.