This is beyond deranged.

Donald Trump just called for the execution of Democratic elected officials — lawmakers who were upholding the Constitution and defending our democracy.

He even doubled down and reposted someone saying, “HANG THEM.”

Let’s be clear about what this is: Authoritarianism in plain sight. The President of the United States is endorsing political violence and calling for the murder of political opposition.

These are the moments that show us exactly what kind of leaders we need in Washington. And right now, we need leaders who will shut this down immediately. This is a direct threat — and it must be taken seriously.

All year, we’ve watched Democratic leaders fail to stand up to Trump. We cannot afford lawmakers who fold the second Donald Trump makes a threat. We cannot afford Democrats who negotiate away our values when the going gets tough.

I won’t.

I have spent my entire career standing up to injustice — and I’m not about to shrink away now. If you send me to the Senate, I will call out Trump’s authoritarian threats every single time. I will defend our democracy without hesitation. And I will stand firm for the people of Illinois, no matter the danger, no matter the pressure.

But right now, we need leaders who stand firm in the truth — who refuse to back down in the face of intimidation, and who defend our democracy no matter the personal cost.

It’s time for Democrats and Republicans alike to confront this grotesque violation of our Constitution and our democracy.

If you’re with me, please add your name to my petition calling on Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate to take action against Trump’s threats. Threatening to kill political opposition is straight out of the authoritarian playbook — and we cannot let this stand.

ADD YOUR NAME

The time to fight back is NOW. We cannot let this stand.

Juliana Stratton