Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) endorsed Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for Sen. Dick Durbin’s (D-IL) open Senate seat in 2026. 

“Juliana has not only proven to be an experienced and effective Lieutenant Governor — she’s demonstrated time and again that she truly understands and cares for working people,” Duckworth said in a statement. “I’d be honored to have her by my side in the Senate as we work to deliver real results for Illinoisans, and I’m proud to endorse her campaign for the United States Senate.”

Duckworth’s endorsement of Stratton follows Durbin’s retirement announcement last week after nearly 30 years in the Senate. 

Stratton has already received the endorsement of Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL). Meanwhile, Durbin has yet to give an endorsement, which could provide a candidate with a huge advantage. 

The lieutenant governor announced her bid for the Senate seat a day after Durbin announced his retirement. She shared she is “honored” to have received Duckworth’s endorsement. 

Other Democrats considering a run for Durbin’s open Senate seat include Reps. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL).

Duckworth won the Senate seat in the blue state in 2016, beating Republican incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk with 55% of the vote. It is predicted that whoever wins the Democratic nomination will likely win the general election in Illinois. 

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Stratton has also received the endorsement of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, which promised to spend “seven figures in support of her campaign.”

Durbin is the fourth Democratic senator to announce his retirement after his term ends in 2026.