Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s newly released Senate campaign video is igniting controversy after featuring multiple individuals on camera declaring, “F— Trump,” as she launches her bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
Stratton, who is seeking to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin in 2026, shared the video on X with the caption: “They said it. We’re all thinking it.” The clip opens with three separate individuals bluntly stating, “F— Trump, vote Juliana,” immediately setting the tone for a campaign message built around direct confrontation with the president.
Stratton then appears on screen, distancing herself rhetorically from the explicit language while embracing its sentiment. “They said it, not me,” she says. “I’m Juliana Stratton, and I’m proud to have lived my whole life on the South side of Chicago. I’m not scared of a wannabe dictator. I’m running for Senate to stand up to Donald Trump.”
The video continues with Stratton outlining her policy positions, including a call to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to “hold Trump accountable for the crimes he’s committed.” After delivering her remarks, she adds, “Just like they said,” prompting three more individuals to repeat the profane anti-Trump phrase.
Among those appearing in the video is Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, who has endorsed Stratton and is shown using the expletive directed at Trump. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, another prominent supporter, also appears alongside Stratton, offering a more measured endorsement by simply saying, “Vote Juliana.”
The video underscores the high-stakes nature of the Democratic primary, where Stratton faces competition from U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. With Durbin stepping down after decades in office, the race has quickly become one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the state.
Republicans were swift in their response. Delanie Bomar, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee, criticized Stratton in a statement, calling her “a defund-the-police radical” and arguing that her priorities are out of step with public safety concerns in Chicago. Bomar contrasted Stratton’s platform with Trump’s record, asserting that he has taken action to address crime and illegal immigration.
Stratton’s campaign strategy appears to lean heavily into direct opposition to Trump, framing the Senate race as part of a broader national struggle. The use of profanity — particularly by elected officials — marks a notable escalation in tone, reflecting the increasingly combative atmosphere surrounding federal elections.
