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Champaign Today
By the People, for the People
Democratic Senate Candidates Outline Priorities at Champaign Forum
Kelly, Stratton, and Krishnamoorthi address affordability, Medicaid, and human rights ahead of primary election.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate - U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton, and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi - met in Champaign, Illinois to share their views on key issues like affordability, Medicaid, and human rights at a forum organized by the Illinois State NAACP. The candidates emphasized their experience, focus on listening to voters, and concerns over potential cuts to social safety net programs ahead of the upcoming primary election.
Why it matters
The U.S. Senate race in Illinois is a closely watched contest, with the seat currently held by longtime Senator Dick Durbin. The forum provided an opportunity for voters to directly engage with the Democratic candidates and understand their policy priorities before casting their ballots in the primary election.
The details
At the UIS Democratic Senate Forum, the three candidates outlined their key campaign platforms. Rep. Robin Kelly emphasized her experience and track record of results over fundraising or political backing, stating "It's not about how much money you have or who supports you, it's what have you done." Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton said her campaign is focused on listening to voters and responding to their concerns, noting "My campaign is really focused on giving the people what they want." Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi echoed concerns about affordability, warning that "the food stamps and the public housing that enabled us to survive is on the chopping block."
- The Illinois primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
The players
Robin Kelly
U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.
Julianna Stratton
Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.
Raja Krishnamoorthi
U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.
Theodis Pace
President of the Illinois State NAACP, which organized the forum.
Dick Durbin
Current U.S. Senator whose seat is up for election.
What they’re saying
“It's not about how much money you have or who supports you, it's what have you done.”
— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate (Chambana Today)
“My campaign is really focused on giving the people what they want.”
— Julianna Stratton, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate (Chambana Today)
“The food stamps and the public housing that enabled us to survive is on the chopping block.”
— Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Representative and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate (Chambana Today)
What’s next
The Illinois primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026, where voters will choose the Democratic nominee to run for the U.S. Senate seat.
The takeaway
The Democratic Senate forum in Champaign provided an opportunity for voters to directly engage with the candidates and understand their policy priorities around key issues like affordability, Medicaid, and human rights ahead of the upcoming primary election. The race for this open Senate seat is closely watched, with the candidates emphasizing their experience, focus on listening to constituents, and concerns over potential cuts to social safety net programs.
