CHICAGO – Today, during the Illinois Democratic Senate Primary debate hosted by FOX32, Juliana Stratton showed that she is the fighter Illinoisans are demanding. As the race solidifies into a two-way matchup, this debate made it clear: Congressman Krishnamoorthi is offering more of the status quo, Juliana is offering bold new leadership that puts working people first.
The debate builds on Juliana’s growing momentum – with less than 30 days until Election Day, voters are tuning into the race and excitement is coalescing behind her campaign. Today, Juliana was endorsed by Sierra Club, and just last week she was endorsed by US Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Eric Sorensen, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, and activist Gloria Steinem.
Statement from Juliana for Illinois spokesperson Allison Janowski:
“Voters are sick and tired of DC politicians who spend year after year prioritizing special interests while doing nothing to improve the lives of working families – that’s why Congress has one of the lowest approval ratings in history. After spending the last decade sitting in Washington doing nothing but fundraising, Congressman Krishnamoorthi now thinks he deserves a promotion. Illinoisans demand better – and as tonight’s debate made clear, Juliana Stratton is the fighter they’re looking for. ”
See key moments below:
Stratton on the Need for a $25 Minimum Wage
[CLIP] I think what's important to recognize is, I think that bill that's been filed in the house…or in Congress, is for $17 an hour by 2030, and I'm thinking about people right now, as you asked, cannot afford groceries, cannot afford to put food on the table, and we're seeing generational poverty continue because we are not taking the bold steps needed to make sure people make a living wage. And I can tell you, people can't wait till 2030. If there's going to be a $17 an hour federal minimum wage, it should happen tomorrow. But here we are talking about what might be realistic. Well, what's not realistic is expecting people to not be able to put food on the table, not being able to save for their future, not being able to give their children what they need. And I think right now, what I'm hearing from Illinoisans is they're not looking for, “well, let's just find what seems to be the easiest thing to do.” They're looking for leaders who are going to get to Washington with bold ideas and be courageous to fight for them.
Stratton on Chuck Schumer and the Need for New Leadership
[CLIP] I will listen to anybody who's ready to fight. Right now, what I'm hearing from Illinoisans all across the state is that they are looking for fighters and not folders. They are looking for people who are going to stand up and not give in when we make demands. They do not, you know, compromise on that.
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When I was a legislator in the Illinois House of Representatives, I had 10 bills that were signed into law that I was the chief sponsor. All of them were passed on – I just want to say this – on a bipartisan basis, but that's not what we're living with right now with MAGA Republicans. And so we have to have the kind of leadership that's going to stand up for our democratic values and not give in.
I have to say that's one of the reasons why people are so frustrated with Washington DC right now, and why we see the lowest approval ratings for Congress, is just exactly that – like we know that we need new leadership. We need new energy. We need people who are going to meet this moment, and I'm the only one that's able to say on this stage that Chuck Schumer should not be the leader of the Democratic Party. And I believe that most Illinoisans and Democrats agree with me.
Stratton on Krishnamoorthi Thanking ICE, Funding ICE, and Taking ICE Money
[CLIP] Well, first of all, I'm making it clear I want to abolish ICE, period, and we need to make sure that I would not give my vote to fund ICE. I want to see ICE and CBP out of our American cities – they've invaded and occupied our American cities. I don't want them to have any immunity, and any of those federal agents should be prosecuted – investigated and prosecuted – for breaking any laws. We're seeing the terror that they have inflicted upon our communities. Border Patrol should be at the border. We shouldn't see Border Patrol agents walking up and down Michigan Avenue, for example.
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It's not about an overhaul of this agency, because I don't see this agency as being reformed. And I do want to just say to Congressman Krishnamoorthi, you know you talk about wanting to see, you know, “abolish Trump's ICE,” but we also know that you have voted to thank ICE. You voted to fund ICE, and you have taken money from ICE contractors – that does not give anyone confidence that you're going to be someone who stands up to ICE.
Stratton on Krishnamoorthi Being Funded by ICE Contractor Money
[CLIP] I wanted to say about the donation that you said that you made to immigrant rights organizations, it wasn't until people called for it – the public. Your first response from your team was, “we'll take money from anybody who is supporting my mission.” And then you said it again on national television, “I'll take money from anyone.” For seven years, maybe longer…10 years, you have been calling the CTO of Palantir and asking for money directly to your campaign. It's a phone call you made, and you did it even as recently as June of 2025, when ICE was already in our communities, wreaking havoc. And I just want to say that is what people are upset about. Not only did you take the money while they were wreaking havoc, you then went to the House floor in Congress and thanked ICE.