* Isabel briefly mentioned this earlier today, but let’s take a closer look, starting with Capitol News Illinois…

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Monday in the 2026 Democratic primary for Illinois’ open seat to replace longtime Sen. Dick Durbin.

Duckworth’s endorsement comes after Gov. JB Pritzker endorsed Stratton on Friday, one day after she entered the Senate contest. With no other Democratic candidates announcing campaigns for the 2026 primary by Monday morning, Stratton secured the endorsement of two of the state’s top Democrats before fielding any competition. […]

U.S. Reps. Lauren Underwood, of Naperville, Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, Robin Kelly, of Matteson, and state Treasurer Mike Frerichs, of Chicago, all have said they are considering entering the race.

* Press release, which was issued at about 5 this morning…

Statement from Tammy Duckworth:

“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. Their struggles are her struggles. Their wins are her wins. Her many years spent in public service, along with her experience as a mom to four daughters and a caregiver to her own mother, have given her the tenacity, grit and perspective to be a true advocate on behalf of working families. 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.”

Statement from Juliana Stratton:

“Tammy is a true leader for Illinois who doesn’t back down from a challenge. She exemplifies the kind of leadership working families deserve and spends every day looking for new opportunities to help communities across our states flourish. I’m so honored to have her support and I will work tirelessly to bring her spirit of resilience to this campaign.”

* Video…

* Politico…

Congresswoman Robin Kelly said she will make an announcement this week “about my plans moving forward to ensure all Illinoisans have a proven fighter, someone grounded in service and compassion, in Washington,” according to a statement.

If Kelly does win the race, she’d be almost 77 at the end of her first term. Stratton would be 67.