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2w ago

Outside Money Recasts Illinois Senate Primary as Crypto PACs Target Stratton, Pritzker Fuels Her Bid

Outside spending now dominates the final stretch for a race likely to decide Illinois’ next senator.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), center, speaks as U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), left, and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D), listen to him during U.S. senate Democratic Primary Debate in Chicago, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), speaks during U.S. senate Democratic Primary Debate in Chicago, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), speaks during U.S. senate Democratic Primary Debate, in Chicago, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, campaigns for Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is running for an open U.S. Senate seat, at the Montclare Senior Residences of Avalon Park in Chicago, Thursday, March 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Sophia Tareen)

Overview

  • Tuesday’s Democratic contest features Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly vying to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.
  • Krishnamoorthi has raised more than $30 million and spent over $28 million on advertising, far outpacing his rivals’ roughly $1 million each.
  • Fairshake and allied crypto super PACs have booked about $7.7 million in Illinois TV, largely airing attack ads against Stratton, with overall crypto spending reported in the high single-digit millions.
  • Stratton is backed by a Pritzker-supported super PAC that has spent close to $13 million, drawing criticism from the Congressional Black Caucus over the governor’s heavy involvement.
  • At least 27 AIPAC-associated donors have contributed more than $70,000 to Stratton, The Intercept reports, while Kelly promotes her pledge to reject AIPAC money.