Illinois lt. governor launches bid for Durbin seat

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) became the first major Democrat on Thursday to announce a bid for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s (D-Ill.) seat, a development that came less than a day after Durbin said he would be forgoing another run.

“As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely to move us forward and protect the values we hold dear,” Stratton said in a statement announcing her candidacy.

“I am that leader, and I promise to fight everyday for the people of Illinois,” she added.

The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association (DLGA) immediately announced it would be endorsing her senatorial bid and a seven-figure commitment going toward her campaign.

“Democratic lieutenant governors are the Democratic Party’s bench, and with these types of investments, we look forward to helping to elect the next generation of Governors and Senators across the country,” Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis (D), chair of the DLGA, said in a statement.

Durbin announced on Wednesday he would not be seeking a sixth term in the upper chamber, saying in a video announcement that it “it’s time to pass the torch.”

Durbin’s announcement is likely to tee up a competitive primary for his seat as several other Democrats are widely expected to make bids of their own, including Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lauren Underwood.

On the GOP side, Rep. Darin LaHood hinted he might be interested in running for the seat, too.

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates Durbin’s seat “solid Democrat.”