Illinois Democrat Unleashes Expletive-Laden Anti-Trump Ad in Senate Primary

Juliana Stratton's new ad features a series of people saying 'F--- Trump' as she battles to gain ground in a crowded race.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Juliana Stratton, the Democratic lieutenant governor of Illinois, has released a new TV ad for her Senate primary campaign that features a series of people, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, saying 'F--- Trump.' Stratton herself does not participate in the cursing, instead saying 'They said it, not me.' The ad is an attention-grabbing move as Stratton trails her opponents in polling, fundraising, and ad spending. While some Democratic strategists have pushed for more frank talk, it remains to be seen how effective the ad will be in attracting voters.

Why it matters

Stratton's ad is the latest example of Democrats grappling with how much to focus their messaging on former President Donald Trump in the 2026 election cycle. While some candidates have leaned into anti-Trump rhetoric, others have argued the party should move beyond Trump-centric campaigns. The Illinois Senate primary has become a test case for these divergent approaches.

The details

Stratton's new ad features a series of people, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, all saying 'F--- Trump.' At least half a dozen bleeps will be used to obscure the language when the ad airs on TV. Stratton herself does not participate in the cursing, instead saying 'They said it, not me.' The ad is an attention-grabbing gambit as Stratton trails her opponents, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Robin Kelly, in early polling, fundraising, and ad spending. Krishnamoorthi has already aired an ad focused on 'holding Trump accountable,' while Kelly has highlighted her proposal to impeach the Homeland Security secretary.

  • The Illinois primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
  • Early voting is already underway.

The players

Juliana Stratton

The Democratic lieutenant governor of Illinois who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A U.S. Representative from Illinois who is also running for the Senate seat.

Robin Kelly

A U.S. Representative from Illinois who is also running for the Senate seat.

Tammy Duckworth

A U.S. Senator from Illinois who appears in Stratton's ad.

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who has endorsed Stratton and helped fund a super PAC supporting her campaign.

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What they’re saying

“They said it, not me”

— Juliana Stratton, Illinois Lieutenant Governor (nbcnews.com)

“Juliana Stratton is a defund-the-police radical who would rather let criminals run rampant than make Chicago safer”

— Delanie Bomar, Republican National Committee Spokeswoman (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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