U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (D) listen to a question at the WCPT 820 U.S. Senate Candidate Forum in Chicago on Feb. 6, 2026 (Photo by Meridian Ren Eck)

WCPT 820 and Heartland Signal recently hosted a candidate forum last month featuring the leading Democratic candidates vying for the seat:

  • Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, a former state representative. She is closely aligned with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and has positioned herself as a pragmatic progressive with executive branch experience.
  • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a former small business owner and attorney. His campaign emphasizes his immigrant background and focuses on economic opportunity.
  • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, known for her leadership on gun violence prevention and public health issues.

Early voting is underway for the 50 Chicago Ward sites and suburban Cook County residents. Early voting ends on March 16, 2026. Election Day is March 17, 2026. A full list of early voting locations and hours can be found on the Chicago Board of Election’s website and the Cook County Clerk’s website.

ICE accountability

Activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has drawn significant attention in Chicago and across the country, making immigration enforcement a central topic during the forum. Candidates responded to multiple questions regarding ICE’s role, accountability and federal enforcement priorities — and offered sharply defined responses on how they would approach the issue in the U.S. Senate.

  • Q: We are living through what many Americans would describe as a lawless administration, one that has weaponized federal agencies and used the government to punish political opponents and reward allies. What is your vision for holding this administration accountable — not just investigating, but actually delivering consequences?
    • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton
  • Q: Federal immigration agents have been documented violating constitutional protections and basic human rights. Here in the Chicago area alone, an ICE agent shot and killed Silverio Villegas González, and a Border Patrol agent shot Marimar Martinez five times. If elected to the Senate, would you support funding, defunding or completely abolishing ICE? And why?
    • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton
    • Krishnamoorthi’s rebuttal
    • Stratton counter-rebuttal
  • Q: How prepared are you to advocate for, support, or help organize a general strike in the event of continued ICE operations in Chicago and Illinois?
    • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

Elections

Following an FBI raid on an election center in Fulton County, Ga. in January, President Donald Trump appeared on a podcast hosted by former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, where he discussed the prospect of Republicans taking control of elections in as many as 15 jurisdictions. The comments quickly became a focal point in the Senate forum, prompting candidates to address broader questions about election security, federal authority and the integrity of the democratic process.

  • Q: President Trump recently floated the idea of nationalizing elections. What would you do to stop attempts to interfere with our democratic process?
    • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton
  • Q: Contributions to super PACs totaled over $1.4 billion during the 2024 elections, which is nearly double the previous record high, and this trend is likely to continue in future elections. If elected, what would you do to reduce the power and influence of wealthy individuals and corporations over our government?
    • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton
    • Krishnamoorthi’s rebuttal

Epstein files

Despite the Trump administration being compelled to release millions of pages tied to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, millions more documents remain undisclosed. Attorney General Pam Bondi has faced criticism over the handling of those records, with opponents alleging that the Justice Department withheld additional materials and improperly applied redactions. The botched release was addressed during the debate.

  • Q: With millions of documents in the Epstein files still not released months after the deadline, how aggressive would you be in getting them fully released?
    • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

Israel-Gaza war

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders and the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention are some of the prominent human rights groups that have spoken out against the war in Gaza, with several organizations accusing Israel of committing war crimes or genocide. Moderators asked the candidates if they agree with that assessment.

  • Q: Last year, Doctors Without Borders and an independent United Nations commission joined many other organizations in saying Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Do you agree with that assessment, and if so, do you think the United States should charge the Israeli government with war crimes?
    • U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
    • Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

The forum was moderated by WCPT hosts Joan Esposito, Patti Vasquez and Richard Chew.