Patti Vasquez talks to Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, at the McLean County Democrats' 2025 BBQ & Bags County Board Fundraiser. It took place on July 12 at IBEW Local 197. (The interview aired on "Driving It Home" July 18.)

Stratton discussed her campaign for Senate, emphasizing her extensive travel across Illinois and the enthusiasm she encounters.

"People are engaged," she told Vasquez. "They are looking for real change. They want to see a fighter. And when I can look them in the eye and say, I'm going to be that fighter for them, it just builds that energy to say, we are going to make it through these really dark times, and we're going to come out fighting for the people of Illinois."

She highlighted the impact of recent federal policies, such as the "big, ugly bill" that threatens health care and food assistance, and contrasted it with Illinois's record of seven consecutive balanced budgets and nine credit rating upgrades. Stratton stressed the importance of affordability, access to health care, and education, and criticized the federal government's lack of action on minimum wage and gun safety. 

"Yes, there's a lot of fear," Stratton said. "There's a lot of uncertainty. And I think we just have to dig deep and recognize there's power in community, and the power is people like this here in McLean County coming together to say we're not going to sit on the sidelines. We're going to fight back." 

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