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John,

In just a moment, I’m going to ask you to split a $5 contribution between my campaign for U.S. Senate and Democratic Values. But first, let me explain why your support matters so much — especially right now.

A little over a month ago, I announced that I’m running to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate. I didn’t come to this decision lightly, but I knew I couldn’t stay on the sidelines.

I’m the daughter of a public school teacher and a Navy veteran. I know what hard work looks like. I know what it means to struggle — and I know what it means to persevere.

But today, that perseverance isn’t enough. Middle-class families are doing everything right and still falling behind. People are struggling to put food on the table, anxious about the next recession, and being told to “make do” — while the wealthy are rewarded and protected.

The struggles of working families today have increased tenfold.

The Trump administration is fueling this crisis — attacking our freedoms, raising costs, and abandoning the very people they’re supposed to serve.

That’s not the leadership Americans deserve — and I won’t stand by and let it happen.

For the past six years, I’ve worked alongside Governor JB Pritzker as Lieutenant Governor to deliver real results for Illinois: lowering costs, protecting rights, improving schools, and raising wages.

But now, everything we’ve built is under threat. And Washington isn’t doing nearly enough to fight back.

So I will.

I’m running for U.S. Senate because we need fighters in Washington who understand what’s at stake — and who won’t hesitate to stand up for working people.

I’ll fight for you, your family, your neighbors — for every Illinoisan who feels ignored, dismissed, or left behind by a system that too often serves the powerful over the people. But I can’t do this alone. It’s going to take us all working together to build the future that we – and future generations – deserve.

So I am asking: Can you split a $5 contribution between Democratic Values and my campaign to become a founding donor? It's so important that we have the early grassroots support we need to build a movement strong enough to win.

This campaign is about more than just you or me. It’s about building a future where every Illinoisan — no matter their ZIP code, background, or income — has a real chance to thrive. I’m ready to fight for that future. And with you by my side, I know we can win.

With deep gratitude,

Juliana Stratton