Stratton, García, and Labor Leaders Demand Krishnamoorthi Reject MAGA-Backed Super PAC Support (Chicago, IL) – Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Congressman Chuy García, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, and labor leaders from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) held a press conference Thursday at Daley Plaza calling on Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi to reject support from a MAGA-aligned super PAC.
The emergency event came after reports that a crypto-industry super PAC, funded by MAGA donors, is launching a multi-million-dollar smear campaign against Stratton in an effort to bolster Krishnamoorthi’s campaign for U.S. Senate. The announcement coincides with a new poll showing Stratton surging while Krishnamoorthi loses ground, despite having poured more than $25 million into his campaign.
“No amount of MAGA money can erase Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s biggest weakness: his own record,” Stratton said. “He voted to fund ICE, he voted to thank ICE, and he’s spent a decade cozying up to the same MAGA forces he claims he’ll fight against. Illinoisans deserve better than special interests trying to put their thumb on the scale of this race.”
Congressman Chuy García emphasized that elections should reflect community needs, not corporate money. “We’ve got to do everything that we can to protect a system where the most qualified leaders can serve, not just those backed by corporate interests or wealthy donors. Communities deserve representatives who answer to the people and not to contracts, profits, or investments, and that’s why I’m proud to stand with Juliana,” García said.
Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia criticized Krishnamoorthi as a career politician benefiting from wealthy donors. “He is out here for himself and to get this Senate seat and crown himself king, just like Donald Trump – and we’re not going to stand for it. We know who’s fighting for us and doing it for the people…so I’m proud to support the Lieutenant Governor for Senate,” Valencia said.
Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth also highlighted the contrast between Stratton’s community-focused leadership and Krishnamoorthi’s reliance on outside funding. “The latest poll shows Juliana surging and Raja losing ground, and suddenly millions in dark, MAGA-aligned super PAC money are flooding in. They think they can scare her or buy this seat. But no amount of dark money can hide a weak record on ICE,” she said.
Labor leaders voiced support for Stratton’s record on public service and advocacy. Erica Bland, SEIU Illinois Healthcare Executive Vice President, said, “We are facing a moment where we need a leader who can lead with integrity, who will not compromise, and that leader is Juliana Stratton.”
Vicki Kurzydlo, Chicago Teachers Union Recording Secretary and IFT Executive Board Member, added, “Raja Krishnamoorthi is taking money from companies like Palantir that power ICE. We need a fighter instead. Juliana Stratton has proven she will stand up to Donald Trump and fight for the people, not corporations or special interests.”
The press conference underscores growing tensions in Illinois’ Senate race as Stratton gains momentum and calls mount for Krishnamoorthi to disavow MAGA-aligned super PAC funding.
Stratton, García, and Labor Leaders Demand Krishnamoorthi Reject MAGA-Backed Super PAC Support
