Illinois Democratic Senate Hopefuls Agree on Trump Crisis, Differ on Specifics

Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Kelly, Lt. Gov. Stratton debate immigration, Supreme Court, and more ahead of March primary

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:15pm

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The three leading Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat from Illinois - U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton - agreed that the nation is facing a constitutional crisis under President Donald Trump, but distinct differences emerged on issues like immigration enforcement, the Supreme Court, and the federal minimum wage.

Why it matters

The Illinois Senate race is seen as a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate, with the candidates offering voters a range of progressive policy positions to counter the Trump administration. Their debate highlighted the nuances within the Democratic party on high-profile issues like immigration reform and judicial nominations.

The details

While the candidates agreed that Trump poses a threat to the Constitution, they differed on specifics. Stratton called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while Krishnamoorthi and Kelly proposed reforms or overhauls. On the Supreme Court, Stratton and Kelly vowed not to confirm any new Trump appointees, while Krishnamoorthi said he would seek intensive vetting. The candidates also diverged on the federal minimum wage, with Stratton calling for $25/hour and Kelly proposing $17/hour as more realistic.

  • The debate was held on January 30, 2026 at ABC-7's studios in Chicago.
  • It was the second such forum among the three candidates in 72 hours, following an event at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics.

The players

Raja Krishnamoorthi

U.S. Representative from Illinois's 8th congressional district and one of the three leading Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat.

Robin Kelly

U.S. Representative from Illinois's 2nd congressional district and one of the three leading Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat.

Juliana Stratton

Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and one of the three leading Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat, backed by Governor JB Pritzker.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, whom the candidates agree poses a constitutional crisis.

Kristi Noem

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, whom Kelly called to be fired or impeached.

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What they’re saying

“We have a president that is stomping on the Constitution, a president that doesn't believe that he has to follow the rule of law. We have a president, and now a court system, oftentimes especially the Supreme Court, that is rubberstamping his authoritarian agenda.”

— Juliana Stratton, Lieutenant Governor of Illinois (Chicago Tribune)

“Noem has to be fired. If she's not fired, then we have to impeach her. Masks have to come off. IDs have to go on. Body cameras have to go on. No more warrantless arrests. Third-party investigations must be mandatory for all use of force. And, no more roving gangs of ICE agents or CBP agents throughout our cities.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Representative (Chicago Tribune)

“Yes, dismantle ICE but also the Border Patrol, also the agency that looks over citizenship and asylum. All of it needs to be dismantled and rebuilt so people are not terrorized by their own government agency. So, I do think we do need enforcement. There's no question about that. But not the enforcement that we have now.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This debate highlighted the nuanced differences within the Democratic party on key issues like immigration reform and judicial nominations, even as the candidates united in their criticism of the Trump administration's perceived disregard for the Constitution. Voters will have to weigh these policy distinctions as they choose their nominee for the crucial Illinois Senate race.