Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is projected to have won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Dick Durbin, leading a field of 10 candidates with about 39.4% of the vote. Stratton, supported by significant outside spending from Governor J.B. Pritzker’s PAC, campaigned as a progressive advocating for Medicare for All, a $25 minimum wage, and the abolition of ICE, positioning herself as a strong opponent to former President Trump and Senate leadership. If elected, she would become the sixth Black woman in the U.S. Senate and face Republican Don Tracy in the November general election for a seat historically favoring Democrats.
Posts tagged as “the U.S. Senate”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Republican Darren Bailey will face off again in the 2026 gubernatorial election after both secured their party nominations, mirroring their 2022 contest where Pritzker won by 13 points. Pritzker, known for his progressive policies like raising the minimum wage and eliminating cash bail, has also gained national attention for opposing federal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago. Bailey, a farmer and former state legislator, continues to criticize Pritzker’s leadership and policies, aiming to improve his previous electoral performance in a predominantly Democratic state.
The U.S. Senate remains deadlocked over funding the Department of Homeland Security due to sharp disagreements between Democrats and Republicans on immigration enforcement reforms, resulting in a partial government shutdown lasting nearly a month. Democrats demand reforms such as body cameras and identification for immigration agents following fatal shootings, while Republicans resist these changes and accuse Democrats of stalling negotiations. The impasse has caused operational disruptions, including TSA workers missing paychecks and increased absenteeism, with no clear resolution in sight as both parties continue behind-the-scenes talks amid mounting pressure.
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey set a new record for the longest speech in U.S. Senate history, speaking for over 24 hours as a protest against the Trump administration's policies. Unlike a traditional filibuster, Booker's marathon address was not intended to block specific legislation but served as a symbolic gesture of opposition. His speech highlighted both his personal and political motivations, drawing attention to the use of extended speeches in the Senate as a means of expressing dedication to democratic engagement.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing the operations of several federal agencies, including those overseeing government-funded media outlets, as part of a broader effort to streamline government functions and reduce bureaucracy. The order, issued after Congress passed its latest funding bill, targets lesser-known entities and directs them to operate only at the minimum level mandated by law, aligning with the President's campaign to restructure government operations without congressional approval. Implementation began on Saturday, focusing on Voice of America and other pro-democracy programming, with Kari Lake, a senior advisor, advising employees to check their email for further instructions, highlighting the administration's commitment to swiftly executing these changes.
In a notable move, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced his support for a Republican-backed six-month funding bill to prevent an impending government shutdown, despite opposition from many Senate Democrats. Schumer described the situation as a "Hobson's choice," emphasizing the limited options and potential chaos of a shutdown, marking a significant concession from his previous stance. This decision, following a contentious caucus meeting, highlights the complexities of bipartisan negotiations in the Senate amid pressing deadlines.
Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu is being encouraged by Republican leaders to run for the U.S. Senate following Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen's announcement that she will not seek re-election in 2026. Shaheen, who has served since 2009, made her decision public through a social media video, emphasizing her commitment to remain active until her term ends. The upcoming vacancy has sparked interest from potential candidates, including former Massachusetts GOP Senator Scott Brown, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched election.
The Council Bluffs Police Department in Iowa has arrested 25-year-old Dominic M. Henton in connection with the alleged sexual assault of former Senator Martha McSally (R-Ariz.). McSally reported the incident on Wednesday, saying that she had been grabbed from behind while jogging near Omaha, Nebraska. Surveillance footage released by police showed the suspect following the former senator on a paved pedestrian walkway, and McSally chased the suspect into the brush before calling 911. The police department is continuing to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with information to contact them.