Stratton's $25 Minimum Wage Plan Draws Criticism from Rivals

Illinois Senate candidates Kelly and Krishnamoorthi say Stratton's proposal is politically unrealistic.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:31am

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In a debate hosted by Fox-32 Chicago, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton called for an immediate increase in the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour, drawing criticism from her Democratic primary rivals U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi. The two representatives said they support a phased-in minimum wage increase to $17 per hour by 2030, but argued Stratton's plan would never pass Congress.

Why it matters

The debate highlighted the divide among Democratic candidates on the issue of minimum wage, with Stratton taking a more aggressive stance than her opponents. The outcome could impact the party's chances of winning the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.

The details

Stratton maintained that people 'can't wait til 2030' for a $17 per hour minimum wage, saying her $25 per hour proposal is necessary for workers to be able to 'put food on the table' and 'save for their future.' Kelly and Krishnamoorthi cautioned that a large immediate increase could harm small businesses and lead to job reductions, with Krishnamoorthi noting that a $25 minimum wage could make it harder for youth to find entry-level jobs.

  • The debate was hosted by Fox-32 Chicago on Monday night.

The players

Juliana Stratton

The two-term lieutenant governor of Illinois who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative from Illinois's 2nd congressional district who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative from Illinois's 8th congressional district who is running for the U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“You can have bold ideas, but if you don't have the votes? I mean, I'm bold and courageous. I mean, that's just the bottom line if you don't have the votes.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative (Fox-32 Chicago)

“Yeah, I mean $7.25 is poverty wages at this point. I think that a $25 hour minimum wage could really harm small businesses and curtail hiring at those businesses. In addition, for our youth, my second job in life was working at McDonald's. I'm not sure I would have gotten that job at $25 an hour.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, U.S. Representative (Fox-32 Chicago)

What’s next

The debate came on the eve of Stratton receiving the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union Illinois State Council.

The takeaway

The debate highlighted the divide among Democratic candidates on the minimum wage issue, with Stratton taking a more aggressive stance than her opponents. The outcome could impact the party's chances of winning the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.