A heated debate among the three leading Democratic candidates in the Illinois U.S. Senate primary revealed sharp divisions over campaign finance and immigration policy on Friday, February 6, 2026. U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi both challenged Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s claims regarding corporate money in her campaign, as Congress considers funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Campaign Finance Clash
The 70-minute debate, broadcast on WCPT-AM 820 and held at the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 UA headquarters, saw Kelly and Krishnamoorthi accuse Stratton of hypocrisy. They argued that while her campaign states it does not accept corporate PAC money, independent PACs supporting her do. Kelly stated, “I find it very hypocritical to keep hearing this when you take $5 million from a corporate bigwig, you take $1 million from the corporate bigwig’s family.”
This refers to $5 million contributed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and $1 million from his cousin, both directed to the Illinois Future PAC, which supports Stratton. Kelly has previously clashed with Pritzker after he used his political influence to replace her as state Democratic Party chair in 2022.
Immigration Policy Disputes
Stratton is the only candidate who has called for abolishing the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. However, Krishnamoorthi challenged her position, citing comments she made after a January 26 debate at the University of Chicago where she mentioned Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in response to a question about who would handle immigration enforcement if ICE were eliminated. Krishnamoorthi argued that transferring ICE’s duties to CBP would be “a horrible mistake,” referencing the agency’s involvement in a fatal shooting in Minneapolis on January 24.
Stratton denied suggesting CBP would take over ICE’s responsibilities, stating, “I’ve never said transfer the duties. I have made it 100% clear we need to abolish ICE, period.”
Congressional Funding Debate
With a February 13 deadline approaching for funding the Department of Homeland Security, Krishnamoorthi stated he would not support additional funding without “significant changes,” including a ban on agents using face masks while displaying IDs and body cameras, and prohibiting “roving gangs” of enforcement officers. Kelly has sponsored legislation calling for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem and suggested her removal as a condition for supporting any funding package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main point of contention between the candidates?
The candidates clashed over campaign finance, specifically whether Lt. Gov. Stratton’s campaign truly avoids corporate PAC money given contributions to supporting PACs. They also debated the future of ICE and how immigration enforcement should be handled.
What is Lt. Gov. Stratton’s position on ICE?
Lt. Gov. Stratton is the only candidate who has called for abolishing the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
What is the deadline for Congress to provide funding for Homeland Security?
Congress faces a deadline of Friday, February 13, to provide funding for Homeland Security.
As the March 17 primary approaches, it remains to be seen how these debates will influence voters and whether these issues will continue to dominate the conversation.
