Illinois’ already heated U.S. Senate race just got louder — and a lot more explicit.
Democratic candidate Juliana Stratton is grabbing national attention after releasing a bold new campaign ad in which supporters repeatedly chant an expletive-filled message targeting President Donald Trump.
The video opens with multiple people bluntly saying, “F**k Trump, vote Juliana,” before Stratton appears on screen with a playful but pointed response: “They said it, not me.”
A Sharp, Unfiltered Campaign Strategy
In the ad, Stratton leans into her South Side Chicago roots and positions herself as a fierce opponent of Trump.
“I’m not scared of a wannabe dictator,” she says in the video. “I’m running for Senate to stand up to Donald Trump.”
She also outlines major campaign promises, including calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and hold Trump accountable for alleged crimes — messaging designed to energize progressive voters.
Political analysts say the ad’s tone reflects a growing trend in U.S. politics: candidates using provocative messaging to cut through the noise in crowded races and highly polarized environments.
Big-Name Democratic Cameos
The ad features appearances from two prominent Illinois Democrats.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth briefly delivers the same blunt anti-Trump line on camera, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appears at the end of the video with a more traditional closing message: “Vote Juliana.”
Their participation signals strong establishment support for Stratton as she tries to boost her campaign visibility.
Tough Primary Fight Ahead
Stratton is competing in a crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, one of the longest-serving lawmakers in the chamber.
Early polling shows she currently trails fellow Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, setting up a competitive race ahead of the March 17 primary.
Campaign strategists say the provocative ad could help Stratton gain traction among younger and progressive voters — but may also risk alienating moderates.
Viral Attention — and Political Debate
Since its release, the video has spread widely across social media, sparking debate over whether such explicit messaging helps or harms political discourse.
Supporters argue the ad reflects voter frustration and authenticity, while critics say it contributes to an increasingly coarse political environment.
Either way, one thing is clear: the Illinois Senate contest has officially entered a new, highly unconventional phase.
