Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has received a major endorsement from former President Barack Obama in her bid for the U.S. Senate. She posted a video on X on Monday showing Obama publicly announcing his support for the Democratic candidate and urging voters to head to the polls for her.
However, critics have flooded Stratton’s post with negative reactions, with many saying that Obama’s endorsement has done little to win them over. Others questioned whether she was the right candidate to represent Illinois in the Senate.
In the video, which lasted less than a minute, Obama praised Stratton’s background and political record.
“Juliana Stratton is a South Sider, a mother, a caregiver, and a fighter,” Obama began. “That’s why I was proud to endorse her first campaign for state representative and why I can’t wait to vote for her to be the next senator from the great state of Illinois.”
Obama went on to highlight Stratton’s advocacy for better healthcare for seniors and her opposition to immigration enforcement operations in Chicago. He added that Stratton was well equipped to handle the challenges of serving in the Senate.
“So Illinois, we have a job to do on November 3rd. Please join me in sending Juliana Stratton to the Senate,” Obama concluded.
Stratton has said she felt “honored” to receive support from the former president. She also credited him with inspiring her to pursue a career in politics.
Critics React to Obama’s Endorsement
While Stratton seemed delighted to have Obama’s backing, several critics responding to her post questioned whether she should be celebrating the endorsement. Some took swipes at the former president, making it clear his support had only pushed them away.
“And that’s one reason why I’ll never vote for you,” one critic wrote. Another commented, “Everything he touches turns to garbage.” A third claimed, “He inspired me to become a republican.”
Others used the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with Stratton herself. Reacting to the news that she had Obama’s vote, one person remarked, “This is not the flex you think it is.” Someone else declared, “You’re one of worst candidates to run for any office ever.” Another equally unimpressed commenter chimed in, “Stop treating us like we are idiots. Illinoisans deserve better representation.”
Stratton is in the running to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, who has represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate for 30 years. She will face Republican Don Tracy, a former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, and Whitfield Harrington Jr. of the American Center Party in the November 3 election.
