Friends,

Recently, my dear friend and mentor, Senator Dick Durbin, announced that he plans to retire from the Senate after decades of extraordinary, effective service. His unwavering commitment to justice, compassion and progress has left an indelible mark on Illinois — and on our nation.

I will miss his leadership in Washington deeply. But as he prepares to pass the torch, it's time to usher in a new generation of leadership for our country. That’s why today, I am proud to endorse my friend, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, for the United States Senate.

I’ve known Juliana for years. I’ve seen her grit, tenacity and unstoppable drive — and I know she will be an incredible partner to have in the Senate. Juliana’s a public servant to her core — a daughter, a mother, a caregiver and a fierce advocate for working families. She cares deeply about people, and it gives her the perspective to truly advocate for our state’s middle-class families.

She doesn’t just talk about progress — she delivers it. As Lieutenant Governor, she and Governor JB Pritzker have changed lives in Illinois: they’ve raised the minimum wage, expanded education access, enacted commonsense gun safety laws and worked toward equity at every turn.

We need that kind of voice, leadership and energy to get things done in D.C.

Both Juliana and I understand the challenges working families face — the struggles, the hard choices and, yes, the joyous wins too — because we have lived them. And that’s why I know she will make an excellent Senator.

If you are ready to bring a new generation of leadership to Washington, please split $7 between the DLGA and Juliana’s campaign for U.S. Senate today. She’s just getting started, so she needs our unwavering support.

Thanks for being in this with us. The work continues and, with leaders like Juliana, I know our future is in good hands.

Tammy