by Sharelle B. McNair
February 20, 2026
With the governor’s support, Stratton is seeking to emerge as the front-runner ahead of the March 17 primary against primary rivals U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly to fill the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton expressed loudly what is on many people’s minds in a new campaign video for the US Senate: “F*** Trump.”
Her bold campaign video features several supporters urging voters to say “F**** Trump” and “Vote Juliana.” The Southside Chicago native is putting on a swing, letting voters know she’s not afraid to take on a “would-be dictator” and that she’s running for Senate to stand up to President Donald Trump.
“I will abolish ICE and hold Trump accountable for the crimes he committed,” Stratton said.
“Just like they said, ‘F*** Trump’.”
The end of her video features an appearance by Gov. JB Pritzker, an outspoken Trump critic who supports her, and former Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
With the governor’s support, Stratton is seeking to emerge as the front-runner ahead of the March 17 primary against her main rivals, U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, to fill the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. During the Feb. 19 debate, she made clear where she stands on current issues like ICE and affordable health care, calling them rights rather than privileges and supporting Medicare for All.
“When we talk about affordability being a big issue for Americans right now, and certainly for Illinoisans, one of the biggest reasons for that is health care and how expensive it is,” she said.
“I can tell you, we need to be clear. A GoFundMe account is not a health plan, and we are seeing millions of Americans being deprived of their health care. Premiums have gone up under the ACA, and we need to do more. I believe health care is a right, not a privilege.”
As one can imagine, her profanity-filled video caught the attention of many and raised concerns about its effectiveness. But during the debate she stood still stood firmly behind the ad and said, “It captures exactly what people are feeling right now.” “You feel like, look at Washington. People aren’t happy with what’s happening in Congress. They’re wondering why nothing’s changing in their lives,” she said, according to the Chicago Tribune.
“Everything is getting more expensive, and here they are asking, ‘When are we going to stand up and not just let this president get away with what he’s doing?'”
Despite the backlash, Stratton has already garnered the support of some of Washington’s top hitters, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. But by addressing voters directly, she is urging those fed up with the Trump administration to vote for her.
“To voters across Illinois: If you’re happy with what’s happening in Washington, if you’re happy with what’s happening in Congress – maybe I’m not the candidate for you,” she wrote on X.
“But if you are ready for a new leader who will bring bold ideas and courage to the Senate, then I ask for your vote.”
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