Pritzker Pours $10 Million Into Stratton Senate Bid as He Courts Black and Hispanic Allies
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 20
Pritzker Pours $10 Million Into Stratton Senate Bid as He Courts Black and Hispanic Allies
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 20
Summary
$10 million from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker helped Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton win her U.S. Senate primary, his biggest political investment of the cycle.
The spending is part of a broader push to build ties with Black and Hispanic leaders ahead of a possible 2028 presidential run, with allies saying his money elevates candidates others overlook.
Pritzker’s PAC also spent $2.8 million for New Mexico Representative Gabe Vasquez, and he personally gave $400,000 to a super PAC backing Nevada gubernatorial candidate Aaron Ford.
Stratton’s rise also stirred friction inside Democratic circles because Pritzker’s endorsement weakened Representative Robin Kelly’s bid, frustrating some Congressional Black Caucus members even as he tries to repair those ties.
South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn said Pritzker is being taken seriously as a potential White House contender, but warned Black voters will judge candidates by commitment, not just the depth of their pockets.