Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring minority whip Dick Durbin, according to AP projections. Stratton overcame Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's significant fundraising advantage by securing endorsements from Gov. JB Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
The primary race became one of the most expensive in Illinois history, with Democratic candidates spending more than $50 million on political ads. Krishnamoorthi spent roughly twice as much as any other candidate, while outside groups also invested heavily in the contest. Super PACs backed by cryptocurrency interests spent nearly $10 million in attack ads against Stratton.