Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin, the retiring minority whip, AP projects.Why it matters: Stratton leaned on support from Gov. JB Pritzker and other high-profile Democrats to overcome rival Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi's sizable fundraising advantage.By the numbers: Democratic Senate candidates spent more than $50 million on political ads, with Krishnamoorthi spending roughly twice as much as any other candidate.Outside groups also poured money into the race. Super PACs backed by cryptocurrency interests spent nearly $10 million in attack ads against Stratton. Stratton, who had said she would not accept super PAC money, did receive millions from a political action committee funded by Pritzker.Zoom in: Much of the campaign focused on opposition to President Trump and his administration, but the candidates turned increasingly negative toward each other in the final weeks. Stratton called for sweeping pushback, including abolishing ICE.State of play: Besides Pritzker, Stratton received endorsements from Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and powerful Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.Yes, but: Stratton generated controversy after suggesting Rev. Jesse Jackson planned to endorse her before he died last month — a claim the Jackson family later disputed.Of note: Durbin didn't endorse a candidate.The bottom line: Stratton will advance to the November general election against former Illinois Republican Party chair Don Tracy in a race Democrats are heavily favored to win.