Illinois U.S. Senate election: Stratton vs. Tracy voter guide
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Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton (left) and Don Tracy (right) at the Illinois State Fair in August. Photos: Justin Kaufmann/Axios
For the first time in 30 years, Illinois will not have a U.S. senator named Durbin.
Why it matters: The midterm election will determine control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.
The big picture: Sen. Dick Durbin is retiring after three decades in the Senate, paving the way for a new face to join Sen. Tammy Duckworth in Washington.
Zoom in: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) is facing former Illinois GOP chairman Don Tracy (R).
- Independent Whitfield Harrington Jr. is also on the ballot.
Meet the major-party candidates:
Stratton withstood a bruising primary battle against Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi to secure the Democratic nomination in the blue-leaning state. She has served as Gov. JB Pritzker's lieutenant governor since 2019. Before that, she was a state representative.
Tracy chaired the state GOP from 2021-2024. He is a Springfield attorney and businessman who previously chaired the Illinois Gaming Board.
The issues: Voters have a sharp ideological choice: Stratton is running on several progressive national priorities, while Tracy is campaigning on a more conservative approach to government.
- Immigration: Stratton supports abolishing ICE, while Tracy favors stronger borders and enforcement of existing federal immigration laws.
- Health care: Stratton supports Medicare for All. Tracy favors lowering costs through competition and reducing regulations.
- Trump: Stratton has made opposition to President Trump's agenda a central theme of her campaign. Tracy has defended parts of Trump's agenda, although he says he wouldn't be a "rubber stamp" for either party.
- Abortion: Stratton supports restoring federal abortion protections. Tracy opposes federal funding for abortion but has said the issue should largely be left to the states.
- Guns: Stratton supports stronger federal gun restrictions, including an assault weapons ban. Tracy emphasizes Second Amendment protections.
Friction point: Tracy has criticized Stratton for declining several candidate forums and debate opportunities during the general election campaign.
What's next: The candidates are scheduled to appear together Oct. 20 for a live WTTW forum — their only planned joint appearance before Election Day. Harrington Jr. is not scheduled to participate.
- Election Day is Nov. 3. Early voting is underway.