In the first live-broadcast debate for the Democratic primary to succeed retiring US Senator Dick Durbin, Illinois candidates Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Robin Kelly engaged in a fiery discussion centered on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and campaign financing.The debate, which took place on January 27, 2026, was hosted by the Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ, and the University of Chicago, drawing significant attention as the primary election date approaches on March 17.
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capitolnewsillinois.comdailynorthwestern.comThe candidates each articulated their positions on ICE, with Stratton, the current Lieutenant Governor, calling for its complete abolition."I want to abolish ICE because this agency cannot be reformed," she stated emphatically, seeking to distinguish herself from her opponents.
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capitolnewsillinois.comdailynorthwestern.comIn contrast, Krishnamoorthi and Kelly advocated for reforms rather than outright abolition, with Krishnamoorthi suggesting measures such as embedding an inspector general within ICE to ensure accountability.
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capitolnewsillinois.comdailynorthwestern.comStratton's aggressive stance was partly aimed at Krishnamoorthi, whom she criticized for accepting campaign donations from executives connected to firms that contract with ICE.She pointed out his acceptance of contributions from Shyam Sankar, an executive at Palantir, which has a controversial $30 million contract with ICE.
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capitolnewsillinois.comchicagotribune.comKrishnamoorthi defended himself, asserting that he had donated those contributions to immigrant rights organizations, claiming, "I'm the only candidate on this stage that actually inspected an ICE facility." He emphasized his commitment to holding ICE accountable through direct oversight.
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wbez.orgdailynorthwestern.comThe debate also spotlighted issues of campaign financing, particularly with Stratton's claims of running a campaign free from corporate Political Action Committee (PAC) money.Both Kelly and Krishnamoorthi rebuffed this assertion, highlighting the financial support Stratton receives from independent PACs associated with Governor JB Pritzker.
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chicagotribune.comchicago.suntimes.comKelly remarked on the apparent hypocrisy in Stratton's stance, pointing out, "I find it very hypocritical to keep hearing this when you take $5 million from a corporate bigwig." This comment referred to substantial contributions made to the Illinois Future PAC, which supports Stratton's campaign.
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chicagotribune.comThroughout the debate, tensions rose, particularly as Stratton pressed Krishnamoorthi on his previous votes.She accused him of "voting to thank" ICE in a resolution that primarily condemned anti-Semitism.Krishnamoorthi countered that the resolution was largely focused on anti-Semitism and defended his voting record as one that condemns hate.
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wbez.orgchicago.suntimes.comKelly, meanwhile, added her voice to the debate by emphasizing her legislative accomplishments, asserting, "Standing up to Trump is not just about fighting.You have to have a record of accomplishments." She reaffirmed her commitment to dismantling ICE as part of broader immigration reform, echoing sentiments from earlier discussions on the need for a complete overhaul of the immigration system.
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capitolnewsillinois.comdailynorthwestern.comThe candidates also diverged on their support for Senate leadership, particularly regarding Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.Stratton openly stated she would not support Schumer's leadership, while her opponents remained undecided.
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chicago.suntimes.comAs the primary date approaches, candidates will continue to face intense scrutiny over their positions and campaign financing strategies.With early voting set to begin on February 5, the debate highlighted the contentious nature of the race and the candidates' varying approaches to crucial issues affecting Illinois residents.
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capitolnewsillinois.comwbez.orgThe next debate is scheduled for Thursday, where these issues are expected to be further explored, allowing voters to gain deeper insights into each candidate's vision for Illinois and their commitments to immigration reform and campaign finance transparency.
