SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Thursday became the first Democrat to launch a campaign to replace Sen. Dick Durbin following his retirement announcement a day earlier.

The South Side native made her announcement in a two-minute video and a post on X. She is expected to be one of several prominent candidates from both parties in the running in next year’s primary.

“(Durbin) was someone that was so incredible as I got into public service, and has been a real encouragement to me,” Stratton told WGN on Thursday. “I certainly had the opportunity to chat with him and let him know what I was doing once he decided that he was stepping down.’

Durbin, an East St. Louis native, announced Wednesday that he would not seek a sixth term. He began his political career after getting elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, representing the district that covers Springfield, and was elected to the Senate in 1996.

Stratton has served as the state’s lieutenant governor for six years alongside Gov. JB Pritzker and listed raising the minimum wage, job creation and protecting reproductive freedoms among her accomplishments.

“She is truly one of the most accomplished people that’s ever held the job of lieutenant governor,” Pritzker said. “She’s done so much as a partner in governance of the state. As you know I think very highly of her.

Stratton, the daughter of a teacher and Navy veteran from the South Side of Chicago, is a mother of four. Prior to being elected lieutenant governor, she served one term in the Illinois House of Representatives and said she would bring her collected experience to Washington.

“I’m going to work very hard. I’m going to roll up my sleeves. I’m going to get to every corner of our state and talk to as many Illinoisans as I can with hopes of earning their vote,” she said.

Other names floated to enter the campaign include Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Lauren Underwood and Rep. Robin Kelly. But Durbin, the second-ranking Democrat on Capitol Hill, said he’s not endorsing any candidate just yet.

“I don’t have a plan to do that. Many of these folks have come forward and have said if I’m running they would support me. Now they’re going to be on their own and try their best. I’m going to let the people of Illinois decide except if it gets in some unusual peculiar circumstance,” he said Thursday on the WGN Morning News.

Stratton has formed a political action committee. She’d announced in January her interest in Durbin’s seat if he decided not to run.

Durbin will serve out the rest of his term that ends in January 2027.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton statement:

“I am running for United States Senate.

For too long, the middle class has been centered on the campaign trail but sidelined when it comes to real governance. I’ve spent the last six years serving as Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Illinois, and I’ve seen firsthand the progress that’s possible when we treat the needs of the middle class as a focal point, not just a talking point.

As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely to move us forward and protect the values we hold dear.

I am that leader, and I promise to fight everyday for the people of Illinois.”