Juliana Stratton

Juliana Stratton is a former member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 5th district from 2017 to 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she has also served as the 48th lieutenant governor of Illinois since 2019, having been elected alongside Governor J.B. Pritzker. Stratton is notable for being the first African-American woman to hold the office of lieutenant governor in Illinois. In addition to her legislative and executive roles, she has a background in law and public service, focusing on issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare, and education. In 2025, she announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, seeking to further her political career at the national level.

Early life and career

Juliana Wiggins was born on September 8, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in the Pill Hill neighborhood on the South Side of the city. Stratton's family background includes her father, Henry Wiggins, who worked as a radiologist, and her mother, Velma Wiggins, who was a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and the City Colleges of Chicago. This educational environment likely influenced her own academic pursuits.

Stratton attended Kenwood Academy for her secondary education before pursuing higher education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. After completing her undergraduate studies, she returned to Chicago and began her career as a video producer for the city government. This role marked the beginning of her engagement in public service and media.

Stratton later attended DePaul University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1992. Following her graduation, she began her professional career in law, initially working in private practice. In 1997, she established her own consulting firm, JDS Mediation Services, which specialized in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. Her legal career included roles as an arbitrator, legal hearing commissioner, and administrative law judge for various government agencies, including the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection and the Office of Administrative Hearings.

From 2011 to 2014, Stratton served as the Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, an organization focused on coordinating and implementing criminal justice reform initiatives for the Cook County Board President. Following this role, she became the Director of the Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, she was a founding board member of Chicago's Children's Advocacy Center and served on the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Protective Association, further demonstrating her commitment to community service and advocacy.

Legislative service

In 2016, Stratton entered the political arena by challenging incumbent Ken Dunkin for the 5th district seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. Dunkin had faced criticism from fellow Democrats for his lack of support on key social service bills during the tenure of Republican Governor Bruce Rauner. Stratton's campaign received significant backing, including an endorsement from former President Barack Obama and support from various labor unions, highlighting her commitment to issues such as childcare, labor rights, and home care.

Stratton won the Democratic primary in March 2016 with a decisive majority, securing 68% of the vote. The primary race was noted for being one of the most expensive in the Illinois House, with a total of $6 million raised by the candidates. Following her victory, she took office and began her legislative work, leading 25 bills by August 2017, with nine of those bills reaching the desk of Governor Rauner. During her time in the House, she served on several committees, contributing to various legislative initiatives.

In August 2017, Stratton was selected as J.B. Pritzker's running mate for the 2018 gubernatorial election. Her campaign platform included a focus on early childhood education, women's reproductive rights, and criminal justice reform. The Pritzker-Stratton ticket successfully won the election on November 7, 2018, defeating the incumbent Republican administration. Following her election as lieutenant governor, Stratton resigned from the Illinois House of Representatives effective December 31, 2018.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her political career, Juliana Stratton has concentrated on several key policy areas. As a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, she was particularly vocal about issues related to early childhood education, advocating for policies that would enhance access to quality education for young children. Her commitment to women's reproductive rights also formed a significant part of her legislative agenda, reflecting broader Democratic priorities in Illinois.

Stratton's focus on criminal justice reform was evident during her tenure in the Illinois House and continued as she transitioned to the role of lieutenant governor. She has been involved in initiatives aimed at addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system, promoting equity and justice for marginalized communities. As lieutenant governor, she has led the Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative, which seeks to advance these goals at the state level.

In addition to her legislative work, Stratton has emphasized the importance of healthcare access, advocating for a universal healthcare system. She has expressed the belief that healthcare is a fundamental right and has worked to address disparities in health outcomes, particularly in rural areas where access to medical services may be limited. Her policy positions reflect a commitment to improving the quality of life for Illinois residents through comprehensive reforms in education, healthcare, and justice.

As of April 2025, Stratton announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to expand her influence and continue her advocacy on a national scale. Her campaign has garnered support from prominent figures, including Governor Pritzker, and she has positioned herself as a candidate focused on progressive values and community empowerment. If successful in her Senate bid, she would become one of the few Black women to serve in that capacity, furthering her legacy in public service and representation.