Chief Apostle McCoy Leads Unity Campaign Backing Stratton’s Historic Senate Bid (Chicago, IL) — Chief Apostle William McCoy, leader of Brothers Keeper Outreach Church, has launched a unity campaign in support of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who recently announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate. If successful, Stratton would become just the third African American woman ever elected to the Senate.
McCoy issued a public call for unity just days after Stratton’s April 24 announcement and shortly following Senator Dick Durbin’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. McCoy, a well-known faith leader and community organizer, said his mission is to galvanize support across communities to back Stratton’s historic run.
“She has a deep passion for our communities and brings fresh, creative thinking to the table,” McCoy said. “Unity is strength. We must come together, restore relationships, and build momentum around her campaign.”
Praising Stratton’s leadership style, McCoy added, “She’s a fighter, and that’s what we need in Washington right now.”
The growing list of supporters includes Carol Moseley Braun, the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate. Braun said she endorsed Stratton shortly after the campaign launch, applauding her integrity and dedication.
“She’s honest, and she’s not afraid to do the hard work. People don’t realize how demanding this job is, but I believe she’s ready for it,” Braun said. Offering advice drawn from her own time in the Senate, Braun added, “She has to represent the whole state and be prepared to stand on her own. It’s a different level of responsibility.”
State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3rd), a longtime colleague and friend of Stratton’s, expressed enthusiasm about the campaign.
“She’s my former state representative, my sorority sister, and a strong candidate. I think she would make a great senator,” Hunter said. “This is the season for women. We’ve seen a record number of women running and winning at all levels. Juliana could become the third Black woman ever in the Senate — that’s powerful.”
Currently, two Black women serve in the U.S. Senate: Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). They are joined by three Black male senators: Tim Scott (R-SC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ).
Dr. Wallace “Gator” Bradley, a longtime political advocate and recent Ph.D. recipient in Urban Ministry and Social Justice, also threw his support behind Stratton.
“She’ll ensure that Illinois stays not just blue, but blue with a purpose,” Bradley said.
As Stratton’s campaign gains steam, the call for unity and representation continues to resonate among faith leaders, political veterans, and grassroots supporters alike.
Chief Apostle McCoy Leads Unity Campaign Backing Stratton’s Historic Senate Bid
