Juliana Stratton: 2026 candidate for the U.S. Senate

Bio

Office sought: U.S. Senate

Party: Democrat

City: Chicago

Age: 61

Previous offices held: 48th Lieutenant Governor, State of Illinois, State Representative for the 5th District (2017-2018), Kenwood Academy Local School Council (2012-2015)

Q&A

What is your view on the role of tariffs in the American economy? Do you support the president’s policies on setting tariffs on goods from other countries?

Donald Trump is destroying the United States’ standing through his reckless and illegal trade war. He told the American people he would bring down prices “on day one,” but his blanket tariffs have raised prices on consumer goods and made it harder for families to make purchases at a time when so many are already struggling to afford groceries, pay for childcare, and keep the lights on. Trump's tariffs haven’t strengthened our economy – they’ve put a tax on working families. Trump owes Illinois families a refund for the money they lost to his illegal tariffs.

Agriculture, construction, and manufacturing are some of the industries that have been hit hardest by his approach. Illinois families, small businesses, and local economies are suffering. The Senate must take decisive action to take back tariff authority from the President and reinstate Congress’ power of the purse.

He continues to disregard the Constitution and Congressional authority, all to make decisions that benefit himself, his wealthy friends, and his family. While people are worried about the cost of groceries and healthcare, Trump has sent America into chaos to inflate his own ego and line his own pockets.

What should Congress do to protect Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid? Will Congress act in time to prevent significant cuts in Social Security benefits?

We must strengthen and expand Social Security for the over 75 million Americans who rely upon these earned benefits. Meaningful action is needed to address the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund, ensuring that the wealthy pay their fair share, older Americans receive full benefits after a lifetime of hard work, and Social Security exists for generations to come.

Republicans have said the quiet part out loud and made it clear that they are coming for Social Security. Congress must strengthen, not cut, Social Security benefits. The Social Security wage cap should be eliminated to ensure that the wealthiest among us pay their fair share, which would significantly boost revenue for the program. Massive tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy in Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” have created additional strain on the federal debt that Republicans will increasingly use to justify further cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and other programs that Americans rely on, and the disastrous effects of their bill must be reversed. The longer Congress waits to act, the harder it will become to protect Social Security not only for retirees but for future generations.

How do you rate the state of health care in America? In particular, what are your views on the Affordable Care Act and the concept of Medicare for All?

Expanding access to high quality, affordable healthcare is one of the most pressing issues of our time – I know that firsthand. Having served as a caretaker for my mother, I know that accessible, quality, and affordable healthcare is a lifeline for so many. I ran for office ten years ago because my State Representative sided with Republicans to cut health services for seniors like my mom. I ran and won, because my family, my community, and people across Illinois deserved better.

At a time healthcare is already out of reach for so many, Trump’s cuts to Medicaid and Medicare are ripping funding away from hospitals and critical healthcare services. Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans have refused to extend ACA tax credits that millions of Americans rely on for affordable coverage.

Illinois is protecting reproductive healthcare, expanding mental health services, eliminating medical debt, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and more. I want to bring Illinois’ blueprint to D.C. But the system is fundamentally broken and we need real, long-term change, not just interim fixes. That’s why I will proudly fight for Medicare for All.

How would you describe the working relationships in the U.S. House today? What can be done to promote more effective government in Congress, and what will you do personally to work toward this goal?

I’ve heard time and again that Washington isn’t working for the people. Illinoisans are looking for new leadership, new voices, and new energy that will meet this moment. My campaign is about giving the people what they want: a livable wage, access to healthcare, a tax break for the middle class, and a Senator who works for them, not corporate special interests. That’s why I’ve refused to accept corporate PAC money in my campaign.

If the system isn’t working for the people it was designed to serve, then we need to reevaluate and reform it. We should strive for bipartisan legislative solutions to lower the cost of living, expand access to health care, secure voting rights, and protect our fundamental freedoms, but Congressional Republicans are actively working against their own constituents’ best interests. They cut Medicaid and are going after your Social Security. They’ve allowed Trump’s tariffs to drive up prices on everything. They’re seeking to disenfranchise millions of voters through the SAVE Act.

Illinoisans need their next Senator to stand up and act. I believe in a democracy that gets things done and improves the lives of everyday Americans.

Do you believe the nation's election system and those of the individual states are secure and fair? If not, what must be done to improve them?

In 1965, my father, Henry, marched from Selma to Montgomery to protest because voting rights were under attack and he didn’t like how human beings were being treated. He didn’t know what the outcome would be – that the Voting Rights Act would be signed into law five months later, that Black representation in

Congress would triple in the decades since, that we would elect a Black president, or that his daughter could become the second Black woman from Illinois elected to the Senate – but he knew he wanted to stand up and be counted.

But now, the decimation of the Voting Rights Act and attempts to suppress the vote threaten to destroy the progress that my dad fought for. We have free and fair elections, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that remains true. We must support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and push for policies like expanded voting hours and stronger mail services to ensure you not only can vote, but have a true voice in our democracy. In Illinois, we’ve expanded voter protections: creating a permanent voter by mail registry, extending voting hours, and making Election Day a state holiday. We need to continue that work on the federal level.

If elected, what will you do to help make Congress more effective?

I’m a mediator and a mom of four – I know what it takes to bring people with different perspectives to the table and find common ground. Those skills have served me well for the past seven years as Lieutenant Governor, and I’m prepared to bring my experience to Washington. I’m also not afraid to call out members of my own party if I believe they are standing in the way of delivering for the people we were elected to represent. The Democratic Party needs to prioritize real steps to make life more affordable and uplift the members of our community who need it most. While Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans want to take us backwards, I’ll advocate for progress. While career politicians in Washington are content with the status quo, I’m not afraid to shake things up and dare to dream of a better future where everyone can not only make ends meet, but thrive.