Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton advanced in the Illinois Democratic primary election to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, according to results after polls closed. The primary outcome positions Stratton as the Democratic nominee for what has been a reliably Democratic Senate seat.
The Senate race outcome could impact the party's electoral strategy and fundraising priorities as Democrats work to maintain their narrow majority. Stratton's advancement provides continuity for Illinois Democrats in a seat they have held since 1997.