Julianna Stratton Vows to Bring 'Real Fight' to Washington at Power Rising Summit

The U.S. Senate hopeful discussed her family history, plans to restore jobs, and push for more progressive policies.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:42pm

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A cinematic painting of a lone figure of Julianna Stratton standing in a dimly lit political office, the scene bathed in warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet determination and purpose.Stratton's campaign reflects a desire among Illinois voters to see bold, courageous leadership in Washington.Chicago Today

In a fireside chat at the Power Rising Summit in Chicago, Lt. Governor and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Julianna Stratton said her campaign reflects voters' desire to see a 'real fight' brought to Washington. Stratton tied her work in restorative justice to the summit's goal of bringing together diverse women to solve community challenges. She also took aim at President Trump, vowing to push the Democratic Party to be more 'courageous' in the face of his 'not normal' presidency.

Why it matters

As a Black woman running for the U.S. Senate, Stratton's campaign represents an opportunity to increase diversity in Congress. Her focus on restoring jobs, promoting diversity and inclusion, and pushing for more progressive policies aligns with the summit's mission of harnessing the collective energy of Black women to create change.

The details

Stratton discussed how her experience with restorative justice informs her political outlook, saying 'the wisdom is in the room' when it comes to solving community challenges. She also criticized the 'go along to get along' mentality in Washington, vowing to be more courageous in taking on the Trump administration's policies. Stratton pointed to her work with the Pritzker administration in Illinois, including raising the minimum wage to $15, as examples of what can be achieved with political will.

  • The fireside chat took place on Saturday during the final plenary session on day two of the Power Rising Summit in Chicago.
  • Stratton received a $5 million donation in January from a pro-Stratton super PAC funded by Gov. Pritzker and his family.
  • The DLGA PAC, the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, spent $222,000 supporting Stratton's campaign.

The players

Julianna Stratton

Lt. Governor of Illinois and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee who would be the sixth Black woman to serve in the Senate.

Minyon Moore

Co-convener of the Power Rising Summit and Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Bruce Rauner

Former Governor of Illinois whose tenure saw a two-year budget impasse.

J.B. Pritzker

Governor of Illinois who worked with Lt. Governor Stratton to turn the state's finances around.

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What they’re saying

“'When I've traveled the state of Illinois, what I've heard from people is that they want to see us bring a real fight to Washington. That has been my charge from the people of Illinois.'”

— Julianna Stratton, Lt. Governor of Illinois and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee

“'There's a need to use my voice and the bully pulpit that I will be given, but there's also a need to push our party — and I'm a Democrat — to be more courageous in this moment, because this is not a normal president, he's not a normal person.'”

— Julianna Stratton, Lt. Governor of Illinois and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee

“'I've been surprised at how there almost seems to be a 'go along to get along' mentality in Washington, D.C.: 'There's not much we can do. It's so hard,' and therefore we can't even think big about what's possible.'”

— Julianna Stratton, Lt. Governor of Illinois and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee

What’s next

Stratton's campaign will continue to focus on restoring jobs, promoting diversity and inclusion, and pushing for more progressive policies as she seeks to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Illinois.

The takeaway

Stratton's campaign represents an opportunity to increase diversity in the U.S. Senate and push the Democratic Party to be more courageous in standing up to the Trump administration's policies. Her background in restorative justice and commitment to community-based solutions could help shape a new progressive agenda in Washington.