In Illinois, a primary could mean a new record number of Black women in the Senate

In Illinois, a primary could mean new record number of Black women in Senate

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In Illinois, a primary could mean a new record number of Black women in the Senate

Only five Black women have ever held a Senate seat. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly want to be the sixth.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton takes a selfie as she attends a public memorial service to celebrate the life of civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago, Illinois, on March 6, 2026.

(Kamil Krzaczynski/ AFP/Getty Images)

Marissa Martinez

Politics Reporter

2026-03-13 07:34

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