Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's heavy financial backing of Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton in the state's U.S. Senate race has sparked controversy and questions about his political influence. The billionaire governor has invested millions in Stratton's campaign against two established House members, drawing criticism from the Congressional Black Caucus and creating a test of his power as speculation grows about a potential 2028 presidential run.
CHICAGO — An unusual opportunity for Illinois voters to choose a new U.S. senator has ignited a fierce contest among the state’s top three Democratic contenders.
However, the Democratic primary to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin has transformed into a crucial political evaluation for another name appearing on Tuesday’s ballot: Governor JB Pritzker.
The wealthy governor is endorsing Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton against two seasoned House representatives — Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Pritzker has invested millions in Stratton’s campaign, joined her at senior center visits, and even featured in a profanity-laden television commercial targeting Trump. Yet Pritzker’s prominent involvement has generated complications, including pushback from influential Black Democratic leaders, doubts about the potential 2028 presidential hopeful’s sway, and voter concerns regarding his use of personal fortune.
“Money should not have to be a factor into tipping the scales in the political arena,” stated Maria Pike, a Chicago anti-violence activist. Despite being a strong Pritzker supporter, she feels uncomfortable with the millions the governor, who faces no opposition in his own primary, has directed toward electing Stratton. She plans to vote for Kelly.
Sixteen contenders have entered the race following Durbin’s retirement announcement after three decades as senator, where he serves as the Senate’s second-ranking Democrat.
The Democratic primary victor among ten candidates is expected to secure victory in the solidly blue state this November. Illinois hasn’t elected a Republican senator since 2016, when Mark Kirk lost to Democrat Tammy Duckworth.
The leading candidates include 52-year-old Krishnamoorthi, a five-term congressman who launched the first television advertisements in July. Krishnamoorthi demonstrates exceptional fundraising ability, collecting over $30 million from approximately mid-2025 through last month.
He avoided direct comments about Pritzker’s involvement.
“At the end of the day, voters will make their decision. They don’t want anyone else to decide for them,” Krishnamoorthi stated. “We’re on a good path. We just have to run down it as fast as we can.”
Among all 2026 Senate contenders nationwide this election cycle, Krishnamoorthi ranked second in fundraising behind only Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff, based on Federal Election Commission records.
Kelly raised approximately $3.3 million during the same period, while Stratton collected about $4 million, both significantly trailing Krishnamoorthi.
However, Pritzker contributed $5 million to a super PAC primarily focused on supporting Stratton’s election in December.
While governors and prominent politicians commonly endorse candidates, primary involvement often generates divisions. Pritzker, inheritor of the Hyatt Hotels fortune, holds a unique position due to his wealth. He has served as the state party’s financial backbone for years, supporting numerous candidates both within Illinois and nationally.
Yet no previous endorsement has been so directly connected to his personal career trajectory.
Pritzker selected Stratton as his running mate in 2017, just months into her single legislative term. When discussing her major achievements, she highlights her support for Pritzker’s initiatives, including Illinois’ minimum wage increase.
Stratton adopted an aggressive debate strategy, criticizing Krishnamoorthi’s voting history and funding sources so intensely that he joked about needing “body armor” during a televised January forum.
Her debut television advertisement features voters and Senator Duckworth directing profanity at Trump. While Stratton and Pritzker don’t use the expletive, they appear together smiling.
“It captured what so many people are feeling right now. Why are we playing around that these are normal times?” Stratton explained. “People are looking for fire.”
She maintains that Pritzker’s backing presents no disadvantages.
Others disagree with this assessment.
The Congressional Black Caucus, which includes Kelly as a member, recently criticized his support.
“Governor Pritzker’s effort to tip the scales in Illinois’ U.S. Senate race is beyond frustrating,” stated Representative Yvette Clarke of New York, the caucus leader. “A sitting governor shouldn’t be heavy-handing the race. Quite frankly, his behavior in this race won’t soon be forgotten by any of us.”
Kelly, 69, clarified she didn’t request the statement.
“They see what’s going and they feel like, a very qualified woman that’s running, is already there,” she said. “Just because you don’t have the most money, doesn’t mean that you haven’t done the most.”
She referenced outgoing Governor Tim Walz, who hasn’t endorsed any candidate in Minnesota’s Senate race, where Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Representative Angie Craig compete for the Democratic nomination.
Kelly won her first election in 2013, campaigning on gun control messaging that connected with her district encompassing Chicago’s South Side, suburban areas, and rural regions. Through her people-over-profits platform, she has established herself as a progressive voice, including denouncing Israel’s Gaza operations as genocide.
Chicago resident Kiyonna Mosely, 49, expressed trust in Pritzker but lacks familiarity with Stratton. She appreciates Kelly’s anti-gun violence record and finds her relatable.
“She just kind of speaks my language when she is speaking, always straightforward,” Mosely said. “She’s experienced a lot of things I have, with being a Black woman.”
Pritzker has justified his participation as proper. He said he understood the CBC’s position of “standing up for a friend of theirs.”
“I’m working very hard to elect someone as our U.S. senator, a Black woman, who would be a member of the Congressional Black Caucus when she wins,” he told reporters last week in Springfield. “She has the best chance of being a great U.S. senator for us among the three Democrats in the running.”
Some voters welcome his involvement.
Pritzker receives credit for bringing governmental stability to Illinois, something voter Susan Stockman values. The 73-year-old retired suburban Chicago teacher plans to vote for Stratton partly because of Pritzker’s endorsement.
“He’s done as great of a job as anybody can do,” she said. “I don’t think there’s any such thing as being too involved.”
Tuesday’s election results will also indicate Pritzker’s political strength as his name surfaces in discussions about potential 2028 presidential candidates. Pritzker added over $25 million to his campaign treasury last year, generating speculation about broader political ambitions, though he remains evasive about presidential plans.
Recently, Stratton has appeared more frequently at Pritzker’s official events. Thursday saw Pritzker campaigning for her through multiple senior living center visits on Chicago’s South Side. Already among Trump’s harshest critics, Pritzker told residents in one predominantly Black neighborhood that Stratton provides a fresh approach to challenging the president.
“My partner in governance for seven years decided that it was time for her to go take this fight to Washington on my behalf,” he told residents.
Candidates have also focused efforts on connecting with voters throughout the state. Stratton, 60, grew up in Chicago but claims her rural communities commission experience has established her recognition in downstate areas. Kelly emphasizes her Peoria connections, approximately 150 miles southwest of Chicago, where she attended college.
Krishnamoorthi, born in India and raised in Peoria, says he has spent years cultivating support beyond his suburban Chicago district, engaging with residents on Medicare issues beginning in 2023 and securing endorsements from prominent downstate Democrats.
This strategy appeals to 63-year-old Kimberly Beal, who resides in Kelly’s congressional district and attended Thursday’s Stratton event. She’s considering voting for Krishnamoorthi.
“His boots on the group approach has been one I like,” she said. “He brings a no-nonsense appeal.”
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