Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton’s campaign for the U.S. Senate has received a significant financial lift.
Newly filed federal records show a super PAC supporting her candidacy has drawn millions of dollars, led by a major contribution from Governor JB Pritzker.
According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, Governor Pritzker contributed $5 million to the Illinois Future PAC, a political action committee backing Stratton as she seeks the Senate seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin.
Pritzker, a billionaire and Stratton’s longtime running mate, endorsed her shortly after she entered the race.
The infusion of funds positions Stratton as one of the most financially supported candidates in a crowded Democratic primary field of ten contenders, ahead of the March 17 primary election.
Campaign finance records show the Illinois Future PAC raised $6.3 million by the end of 2025, with a spokesperson later confirming that total fundraising has now surpassed $10 million. In addition to the governor’s contribution, Jennifer Pritzker, the governor’s cousin, donated $1.05 million, while her spouse added $50,000.
Stratton’s opponents have sought to portray the Illinois Future PAC as a so-called “dark money” group. However, the PAC’s disclosures were filed in compliance with federal law, and its donors are publicly listed in FEC records, undermining claims of secrecy.
Stratton, who has served as Illinois lieutenant governor since 2019, is campaigning on her record in state government and her close alignment with the Pritzker administration’s policy agenda. The substantial financial backing from allies is expected to play a key role as the race intensifies in the weeks leading up to the primary.
With the Durbin seat opening for the first time in decades, the contest is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched—and well-funded—Senate primaries in Illinois political history.
