What is Juliana Stratton Planning?
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton speaks on Election night last November. Stratton has raised her profile in recent months, raising questions about her political future. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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f you’ve noticed most of the Governor’s public events in recent months, a stalwart at nearly each and every one is his Lt. Governor, Juliana Stratton.
Stratton has been increasing her public profile since the November election and has even begun raising money in her previously-idle campaign account, raising speculation about her future plans.
Stratton, 57, was elected to the House in 2016, defeating longtime incumbent Ken Dunkin. She was tapped by Prtizker as his running mate in 2018.
Lt. Governors in Illinois have little in terms of constitutional duties, other than having a pulse to replace a Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor shall perform the duties and exercise the powers in the Executive Branch that may be delegated to him by the Governor and that may be prescribed by law.
It’s a job Dave O’Neal resigned from in 1981 because he was “bored.” Bob Kustra resigned as Lt. Governor in 1998 to become president of a college.
We asked around and Stratton’s name came up for running for Governor Pritzker doesn’t seek a third term in 2026, Attorney General if current AG Kwame Raoul runs for Governor, or, potentially, for Cook County State’s Attorney next year.
Former Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson, former Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Kirk, for former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin are all reportedly considering campaigns, but a top candidate has yet to emerge.
Others close to the situation say Stratton is just remaining “ready.”
A spokesperson for Stratton sent us a statement yesterday that didn’t really confirm or deny anything.
“Serving as the first Black woman Lieutenant Governor is a tremendous honor that Lieutenant Governor Stratton does not take lightly,” the statement said. “She remains fully committed to doing the job to the best of her abilities and continues to be laser focused on fighting for Illinois working families.”
That’s far from a commitment to remain in her job through 2027.