Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's financial backing helped Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton win the state's Democratic Senate primary, positioning her to become just the sixth Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate. But the victory has come with a political cost — friction with the Congressional Black Caucus that could shape Pritzker's presidential ambitions should he run in 2028.

Pritzker funneled $5 million from his super PAC to boost Stratton in the crowded Democratic primary, helping her overtake Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who had led in polls for much of the race and started with a significant cash advantage. Stratton finished first, with Krishnamoorthi second and Rep. Robin Kelly — a CBC member — finishing a distant third.

What the Right Is Saying

Supporters of Pritzker's approach point to the historic nature of Stratton's candidacy and argue his support was justified by their years of governing together.

Jordan Abudayyeh, a spokesperson for Pritzker, issued a statement emphasizing the governor's pride in supporting Stratton. "With only six Black women having served in the U.S. Senate throughout its history, Gov. Pritzker supported his partner in governance because he's worked side by side with her for almost a decade and knows she will deliver for the people of Illinois," Abudayyeh said.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), a influential moderate Democrat, told POLITICO he would "expect" Pritzker to support his No. 2 — a reference to Stratton as Clyburn's running mate in her lieutenant governor race — and said he was not focused on 2028. Clyburn had previously said Pritzker was "free to support" any candidate.

Former Illinois Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate, endorsed Stratton in the race and took issue with CBC members' intense focus on Pritzker's role.

What the Left Is Saying

Congressional Black Caucus members say Pritzker's intervention in the Illinois primary was a direct snub to their organization and to Kelly, who had a long-standing dispute with the governor after he worked to oust her as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party in 2022.

CBC Chair Yvette Clarke was among the most vocal critics, saying she was "beyond frustrated" with Pritzker for "tipping the scales" in the race. Clarke noted she and the governor had not spoken following Stratton's victory.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said Pritzker would need to justify his actions if he pursues a 2028 presidential bid. "He has to justify what he did," Thompson said. "I'm sure at some point if he decides to run, he'll have to come with that justification. As to whether or not it has merit or not, remains to be seen."

Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), who chairs the CBC PAC, said the caucus has no obligation to reach out to Pritzker to mend fences. "We don't need to reach out to the governor," Meeks said. "Others are going to have to reach out to us."

What the Numbers Show

Stratton's victory in the Democratic primary positions her strongly for the general election in heavily Democratic Illinois. If she wins in November, she will become just the sixth Black woman to serve in the U.S. Senate across the body's 235-year history.

Pritzker's $5 million contribution represented a significant portion of Stratton's campaign war chest and helped her overcome a polling deficit to Krishnamoorthi, who led for much of the primary. Kelly, despite being a CBC member and having represented Illinois's 2nd Congressional District since 2013, finished third.

The Congressional Black Caucus PAC has not endorsed in the general election race. CBC members who spoke with POLITICO said they would welcome Stratton into the caucus if she wins in November, but their frustration with Pritzker remains unresolved.

The Bottom Line

Pritzker achieved his immediate goal — helping Stratton become the Democratic nominee in Illinois — but the political friction with the CBC could create complications for a potential 2028 presidential run. The caucus holds significant influence over Black voters, a crucial constituency in Democratic primaries, and several members have made clear they will not easily forget Pritzker's intervention on behalf of Stratton over Kelly. Whether the governor can repair that relationship before 2028 remains an open question, but CBC leaders have indicated they are in no rush to initiate conversations.