Underwood Cites Polls, Endorsements in Senate Decision

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) has announced she will not pursue the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin, instead seeking reelection to the House and focusing on helping Democrats reclaim the House majority. Her decision comes after polling indicated she was trailing Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi in a potential Senate primary and amid reports that Gov. JB Pritzker endorsed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for the Senate race. Underwood, the youngest Black woman ever elected to Congress, cited her leadership roles in the House and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as vital for advancing Democratic priorities and countering Donald Trump's agenda. She emphasized continued efforts to defend healthcare access and support working families. The Democratic primary field for Durbin’s seat now includes Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Robin Kelly, and Stratton. Underwood's choice keeps her in a Democratic-leaning district and maintains her influence in House leadership.