Women’s Coalition Launches to Back Juliana Stratton’s U.S. Senate Bid (Chicago, IL) – Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s campaign for U.S. Senate launched a statewide coalition of women supporters on Tuesday, aiming to mobilize grassroots support among female voters as the Democratic primary race intensifies.
The new group, Women for Juliana, will be chaired by U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who offered a strong endorsement of Stratton, framing the campaign as critical to protecting reproductive rights and countering Republican influence in Washington.
“Juliana Stratton is the type of partner I need in D.C. to push back against the Trump Administration,” Duckworth said in a statement. “She understands the challenges working families face — the struggles, hard choices and the wins — because she’s lived them.”
Duckworth pointed to Stratton’s record in public service and personal experience raising her daughters while caring for her mother as qualities that shape her perspective on policy.
Stratton, who is seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, said the coalition represents a growing movement of women ready to fight for issues like health care access, child care, economic equity and reproductive freedom.
“I’m honored to have the support of so many women leaders across Illinois,” Stratton said. “These women have been on the front lines defending reproductive rights, uplifting underrepresented perspectives, and building more resilient communities. Together we’ll make sure our voices are heard in D.C.”
The coalition features a politically diverse roster of elected officials, organizers, and advocates from across the state. According to the campaign, Women for Juliana co-chairs will serve as “strategic ambassadors,” helping organize events, recruit volunteers and engage women voters in urban, suburban and rural regions.
The coalition will host its first event — a virtual fireside chat with content creator and co-chair Jenny LeFlore — on October 27, with additional events planned throughout the campaign.
Women for Juliana Leadership
Chair:
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
Co-Chairs:
- Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita
- MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis
- Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia
- Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford
- State Sen. Cristina Castro
- State Sen. Doris Turner
- Williamson County Democratic Chair Brandi Bradley
- Chicago 43rd Ward Committeeperson Lucy Moog
- Political strategist Liz Brown Reeves
- Jenny LeFlore, founder of Mama Fresh
- Sarah Reed McNamara, advocate and nonprofit leader
The Stratton campaign says the coalition will expand in the coming weeks as additional supporters join from various regions and sectors.
Stratton, Illinois’ first Black lieutenant governor, officially entered the Senate race earlier this year. The Democratic primary is scheduled for March 2026.
Women’s Coalition Launches to Back Juliana Stratton’s U.S. Senate Bid
