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Standing on his backyard deck Thursday – the same place where he declared his 1996 candidacy for U.S. Senate – Illinois’ senior Sen. Dick Durbin reflected on his decision to retire after four decades in Congress.
“I’ve done this my way, making decisions based on family needs and personal needs, and what I thought would serve our state well,” Durbin told reporters with a crowd of staff, family and friends listening in the background. […]
Durbin said he doesn’t believe age has ever gotten in the way of his job.
“I had to project forward,” Durbin said. “The campaign’s going to last two years, and then you’re going to serve six years. So are you ready to make an eight-year commitment? That’s the truth and reality of the United States Senate.”
“I didn’t think at this point it was the right thing to do,” [Sen. Durbin] said. “I think it’s the right thing to pass the torch off to another generation.”
“Now we have an opportunity to move forward with the election of a new United States senator,” Durbin said, reiterating the statement from Wednesday’s announcement that the Democratic Party has a “strong bench” of potential candidates.
* WCIA…
Now with an end date in sight, Illinois’ senior senator said he will lobby his Republican colleagues to stand up against Trump’s administration, including his tariffs and trade policy.
“I’m gonna beg them to stand up and fight with us to protect the constitutional authority of the United States Senate,” Durbin added. “We can’t give this away… In an emergency situation, [the Constitution] would delegate [trade] to the president. This president is declaring an emergency that doesn’t exist.”
He also said he isn’t giving up on the DREAM Act. He wants to pass the bill that would protect children and young adults with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival status before he leaves in early 2027. He first introduced the bill in 2001.
* Meanwhile… Tribune…
Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker is expected Friday to endorse his running mate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, for the U.S. Senate, a move that could serve as a politically powerful warning to the rest of an emerging field seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Pritzker’s announcement, scheduled for Friday morning at a church in the Bronzeville neighborhood where Stratton grew up, comes only two days after Durbin made public his decision not to seek a sixth term and just one day after the two-term lieutenant governor formally declared her Senate candidacy.
In prepared remarks shared with the Tribune by sources, Pritzker is expected to describe Stratton as a “tested and steady leader who leads from a place of integrity, pragmatism and dedication” as well as a “passionate and compassionate advocate able to get big things done.”
“At this perilous moment in Washington, Juliana’s fighting spirit and dedication to improving lives is exactly the type of representation Illinoisans need, and I’m proud to endorse her for the United States Senate,” Pritzker’s prepared remarks say.
Outside his home in Springfield Thursday, Durbin said he isn’t endorsing anyone, but has had conversations.
“I did have a conversation with Juliana and she told me that she was interested but she wasn’t going to run against me and others have done the same and when it came to J.B., I gave him a call before I made the announcement yesterday,” Durbin said from his backyard. […]
Durbin laid out at least one quality he would be looking for in a candidate.
“I think that person who is successful in running for this office is going to understand they’ve got to not only represent the entire state, they have to work the entire state,” Durbin said.
The SJ-R reported Sen. Durbin saying he may endorse a candidate in an “extreme case.”
…Adding… Pritzker’s endorsement video…
I’m so proud to have earned the endorsement of my friend and partner in governance, JB Pritzker. We’ve worked together to deliver real solutions for our state, and I can’t wait to take our fight for Illinois to the US Senate. pic.twitter.com/JiISVdBv6k
— Juliana Stratton (@JulianaStratton) April 25, 2025
…Adding… Capitol News Illinois’ Hannah Meisel is on the ground…
“While middle class families are stuck facing the consequences of Trump's chaos, too many in Washington are refusing to fight back,” Stratton says. “They’re using the same old playbook they’ve always used. And it’s not working.”
Stratton positions herself as a “fighter” for IL. pic.twitter.com/KUcxaXJAOo— Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) April 25, 2025
* More…
* Sun-Times | Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton becomes first major Democrat to launch Senate bid to replace Durbin: In an interview, Stratton said she’s “not at all” worried about incoming attacks about the Pritzker administration’s policies. She also tried to differentiate herself from the sitting members of Congress who are expected to announce runs. “I certainly feel like the old playbook that we’ve had in Washington just isn’t working, and I think that people are looking for new voices, new leadership, new energy, quite frankly,” Stratton said. “I think we’re hearing that over and over again.”
posted by Isabel Miller
Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 8:38 am
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“ Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker is expected Friday to endorse his running mate, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, for the U.S. Senate, a move that could serve as a politically powerful warning to the rest of an emerging field seeking to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.”
Hardly…
Comment by Big Tent Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 8:57 am
Eh, I don’t really buy that Stratton’s going to have legs in a statewide campaign on her own, even with Pritzker’s money. I’d put way more money on Raja, Underwood, or Kelly over her.
Comment by TJ Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 9:35 am
==Hardly…==
It won’t keep Mr. $20m out, but I think Underwood and Kelly will think hard about whether or not they can really find a lane between those two candidates.
And Stratton/Pritzker planting a flag on the southside is pretty smart, too.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 9:37 am
- He wants to pass the bill that would protect children and young adults with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival status before he leaves in early 2027. -
I’ll have what you’re drinking, Senator, make it a triple. Let’s aim small by not voting for Trump’s spending plans and maybe block an appointment or two before you go.
Comment by Excitable Boy Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 9:50 am
One of the greatest advantages the LtGov has is that she doesn’t have the fear of losing a congressional seat should she lose the primary. The other big names mentioned have to think seriously about this specifically.
Comment by JSI Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 9:57 am
I think Raj probably still has the edge.
Like a previous Lieutenant Governor (the late Corrine Wood), Juliana Stratton had minimal experience in elected office before being tapped to serve as a gubernatorial running mate. Both Wood and Stratton served in the General Assembly for single terms.
I do not see Stratton as a household name yet, but if Pritzker funds her that can change.
Comment by Gravitas Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:18 am
==One of the greatest advantages the LtGov has is that she doesn’t have the fear of losing a congressional seat should she lose the primary.==
But she can lose her current job. I mean, that’s probably a fait accompli as soon as JB announces a new running mate, anyway, but this really isn’t a free roll for her.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:25 am
=Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker is expected Friday to endorse his running mate=
Stratton is well known here, and I think she would be a decent governor. However, to the average voter, right now, it would be Juliana. Who?. No Knock on her, but the nature of the LT Gov office is ceremonial and overlooked by most. JB will need to really get the campaign money printing press going to boost her name recognition.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:26 am
==I do not see Stratton as a household name yet==
Neither are any of the other potential candidates, tho. Maaaybe Alexi. They’re all going to have to spend money to get their name recognition up.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:28 am
I thought taking sides in primaries was taboo?
Comment by Sue Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:30 am
It’s a long time until March. It will be interesting to see how each candidates message evolves.
Personally I don’t expect to see 3 house members all give up their seats up make this run.
Comment by Anonish Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:36 am
“I think Underwood and Kelly will think hard about whether or not they can really find a lane between those two candidates.”
LOL. You don’t think that they knew that JB was going to endorse Stratton before today?
Comment by JoeMaddon Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:43 am
Does Underwood return to nursing if she isn’t the Dem nominee?
Comment by rey mysterio Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:46 am
Is anyone a bit surprised Pritz is entering the primary fray? Maybe I’m missing something, but this was not what I expected.
Comment by Save Ferris Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 10:50 am
“Is anyone a bit surprised Pritz is entering the primary fray?”
That’s an interesting take. Is he trying to head off someone in particular?
Lots of Chicago area candidates being considered. It has a modicum of potential to be like the 2010 Republican Gubernatorial primary (if my memory is correct) in which Brady (downstate) emerged from a cluttered field.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:03 am
==I thought taking sides in primaries was taboo?==
Who told you that?
==You don’t think that they knew that JB was going to endorse Stratton before today?==
==Is anyone a bit surprised Pritz is entering the primary fray? Maybe I’m missing something, but this was not what I expected.==
I dunno, man, if CapFax commenters are surprised that JB took sides, I think elected officials might’ve been, too.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:04 am
JB will spend whatever it takes to get Stratton elected. You all would lose your minds if it was Rauner.
Comment by Capcitynewt Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:06 am
==Is he trying to head off someone in particular?==
Occam’s Razor is he’s just keeping faith with the person who has been his named partner for 8 years.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:09 am
==It has a modicum of potential to be like the 2010 Republican Gubernatorial primary (if my memory is correct) in which Brady (downstate) emerged from a cluttered field.==
Or like the Dem primary in 2002 when Rod was the only person who campaigned outside of Cook County.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:10 am
Not sure what the Trib writers are thinking. An open Democratic Senate primary is a juicy plum that may not be there again until Duckworth retires. Pritzker’s endorsement won’t dissuade the ambitious.
As for Alexi I think Governor is his goal. He sounded like a gubernatorial candidate in his SoS campaign. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is already lobbying Pritzker for Lt. Gov if he runs again.
Comment by Independent Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:11 am
Thinking like a non-political junkie, Lt. Gov definitely has more state-wide name recognition than a U.S. House member. Neither Raja or Underwood get a lot of TV time. Kelly has some. If he does get in, the Secry of State position has always had great statewide name recognition.
Comment by levivotedforjudy Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:13 am
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he is already lobbying Pritzker for Lt. Gov if he runs again.”
LOL
Comment by JoeMaddon Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:24 am
==You all would lose your minds if it was Rauner.==
It *was* Rauner. He did it constantly, and then his buddy Ken Griffin tried to do it, too. Elon Musk is trying to do it now. And I don’t like 3-4 rich guys funding entire parties, either, but it’s the world Republicans chose to create. I know ya’ll wish we’d unilaterally disarm. I know ya’ll hate a fair fight. But it’s the world we live in.
Get your guys on board with getting money out of politics and we’ll talk.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:32 am
“But she can lose her current job.”
Of all of the candidates in the running, Stratton has the best avenue to get back into public service. She has policy chops and had a reputation/strong government qualifications before she was tapped as Lt. Governor. At the very least, I wouldn’t be surprised if she finds herself in charge of a significant public agency at the local, state, or regional level. I think many of the other candidates would disappear into the private sector if they take the gamble and don’t win this primary.
Representatives Underwood and Kelly (and even Treasurer Frerichs) have to be asking themselves: What options do they have if they run and lose? Of all of them, Stratton is the one who is at the “up or out” moment.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:36 am
I noticed several Cook County Democratic Committeepeople in the background of those pictures from earlier today. If she can secure the endorsement of the Cook County Dems, that would be a big feather in her cap. It doesn’t necessarily mean she will win, but its hard to overcome the endorsement of your opponent by the Cook County Dems.
Comment by Remember the Alamo II Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:40 am
Maybe we have our answer to whether Gov Pritzker runs for a third term. No - not after making enemies with several members of Congress with his primary endorsement.
Comment by Hmmm Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:43 am
==No - not after making enemies with several members of Congress with his primary endorsement.==
His history is pretty clearly that he does not and should not sweat making an enemy of Robin Kelly.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:45 am
“Or like the Dem primary in 2002 when Rod was the only person who campaigned outside of Cook County.”
Great point. Chuck Hartke (RIP) brought him downstate. It was the first that most people had even heard of Blago. Blago got 55% of the primary vote in Southern Illinois against Burris and Vallas. It was the difference in the primary.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:54 am
=== Chuck Hartke (RIP) brought him downstate===
True, but the real votes were in Metro East.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 11:55 am
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi still the frontrunner in spite of Governor Pritzker endorsing Julianna Stratton due to his $19 million FEC war chest. Plus with his war chest Krishnamoorthi doesn’t have to hurry his announcement and can wait until Memorial Day.
Because by then, the Illinois General Assembly spring session will be over and state Senator Cristina Castro can kick off her campaign to succeed Krishnamoorthi in 8th Congressional District.
Castro was very active with April 1 elections across the 8th where many townships saw Democrats flip Republican held seats (Castro throwing a big celebration for her candidates in the coming month which may serve as her Congressional campaign kickoff).
Comment by John Lopez Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 12:03 pm
===Neither Raja or Underwood get a lot of TV time===
Raja spends a fortune every cycle on Chicago broadcast TV.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 12:03 pm
==Plus with his war chest Krishnamoorthi doesn’t have to hurry his announcement and can wait until Memorial Day.==
He can wait on fundraising (and also, he clearly doesn’t need to announce he’s running for Senate to raise a ton of money), but giving your rivals too much time to themselves is a risk. I suspect he announces next week.
Comment by Arsenal Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 12:16 pm
===Plus with his war chest===
It’s substantial, but Pritzker has a ton of money and he proved ahead of the convention that he could also raise lots of money.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 12:17 pm
When Stratton loses JB is going to look awfully foolish
Comment by Sue Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 12:25 pm
Gov. Jim Edgar endorsed Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra in the 1996 GOP US Senate Primary and it didn’t end well
Comment by Antioch Annie Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 12:53 pm
===Gov. Jim Edgar endorsed===
Yep. Things didn’t go well because Al Salvi tapped into the anti-Clinton pre-tea party vote. But if your point is that governors’ endorsements don’t matter, maybe look at something more recent than 30 years ago and in the same party. Or if you’re just regaling us with an old story, then thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 1:06 pm
“JB will spend whatever it takes to get Stratton elected”
Ken Griffin spent 50M, would have spent more, and still couldn’t get Irvin the nomination.
After a certain threshold, money isn’t that important
Comment by The Farm Grad Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 1:32 pm
==When Stratton loses JB is going to look awfully foolish==
Accepting this as accurate for the sake of argument, he would have looked more foolish if he didn’t endorse the person who has been his second in command for two terms.
Comment by Anon324 Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 1:57 pm
=== but giving your rivals too much time to themselves is a risk. I suspect he announces next week. ===
You may be right about next week, but that may be coupled with Senator Cristina Castro’s announcement to run for Congress and if their announcements are joint and Krishnamoorthi working to elect a 3rd Hispanic Democrat to Congress from Illinois, that will play well with Hispanics in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary electorate including Senator Karina Villa & Rep Barbara Hernandez who’s bring prepped to succeed Congressman Bill Foster when he retires.
Remember how pivotal Castro was in the election of Lisa Hernandez to chair the Democratic Party of Illinois in her role as 8th Congressional District state central committeewoman?
Also remember, Krishnamoorthi is not native-born & he’s gone after Republicans talking only native-born citizens can serve in Congress (5 years ago, Krishnamoorthi publicly called out a right-wing extremist for floating that idea in a Florida congressional primary).
=== Pritzker has a ton of money and he proved ahead of the convention that he could also raise lots of money. ===
Yes, very true & any legal means under FEC rules to raise money for Stratton will be at play, & we’ll know by July 15 when 2nd Quarter FEC filings due how successful the Governor is under FEC rules to raise money for Stratton, both her FEC campaign & through federal PACs/super PACs.
Comment by John Lopez Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 2:13 pm
Anon- Stratton other then having been endorsed by JB is har DC ly the strongest candidate among the congressional members being mentioned- she has accomplished little as LT Gov- my point about JB is that if he wants to launch a Presidential run- waiting until the primary was over to endorse might have evidenced his acumen- similar to the DNC reminding folks they want to steer clear of inter
party contests
Comment by Sue Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 2:19 pm
JBs endorsement is helpful, but not the end all. Open primary is a money race, so let’s see if he opens his wallet to fund Juliana (and his own race, plus the national stuff). I’m pretty sure he’s endorsed many candidates through the years with mixed success (Anna Valencia for Secretary of State included). Money wasnt unlimited then, doubt it will be now.
Comment by LastModDemStanding Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 2:35 pm
== Thinking like a non-political junkie, Lt. Gov definitely has more state-wide name recognition than a U.S. House member==
I don’t mean to call you out on this, but I fundamentally disagree with this assertion. I would be extremely surprised if Stratton is remotely well-known statewide given that the lt gov role is so insanely weak and low-profile. Folks like Raja that fairly routinely get interviewed on CNN/MSNBC and have an actual footprint in a section of the state almost assuredly have more name recognition.
Even among reliable Dem voters, I’d bet that if you asked people to name the Illinois lieutenant governor, you’d get a huge majority of blank stares and incorrect responses.
Comment by TJ Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 3:15 pm
Let’s be honest, any candidate would be doing backflips to get the endorsement of JB and if they and their supporters aren’t happy about it, that’s because they weren’t the ones to get it.
Comment by Shytown Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 3:15 pm
In my opinion, current name recognition in this race is not a factor since most candidates will not be well known by most of the electorate in this state. It will be important to build name recognition as the campaign goes forward, and this will require serious money. Raja has plenty of money to do this, and I am pretty sure Stratton will be able to do this as well. Not sure about any of the other candidates. If this turns into a Raja vs. Juliana, I give Juliana the edge since it appears that she has the support of a diverse group of party leaders in Cook County. Has any statewide candidate won a Democratic primary without carrying Cook County? In the 2020 Dem primary, Cook County had roughly 55% of the Democratic votes in the state.
Comment by Remember the Alamo II Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 4:16 pm
==I thought taking sides in primaries was taboo?==
I really dont know where you come up with this stuff, Sue.
Comment by low level Friday, Apr 25, 25 @ 4:27 pm