Recapping the only debate in the race to be Illinois’ next U.S. senator

Produced by Christine Hatfield
 
two squares feature a moment in the debate. At left is Republican Don Tracy, a white man with gray hair wearing a dark blue suit, blue dress shirt and burgundy necktie. He has a state of Illinois pin on his lapel and is gesturing with his hands. At right is Juliana Stratton, a Black woman with dark hair pulled back and parted down the middle. She's wearing a white shirt buttoned to the collar, which she has showing over a navy blue sweater vest.

Don Tracy, left, and Juliana Stratton faced off before a live studio audience in the only scheduled debate of the 2026 campaign to be the next U.S. senator from Illinois. Screen capture from WTTW News

Tuesday night was the only scheduled debate in the campaign to be the next U.S. Senator from Illinois. Republican Don Tracy faced off against Democratic Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. We’ll recap what happened with Illinois public radio reporter Mawa Iqbal.

Discussed

Guest

Mawa Iqbal
Statehouse reporter, Illinois Public Radio