Juliana Stratton has served the State of Illinois as the 48th Lieutenant Governor since 2019. She previously served as a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019.
Stratton is the first African-American woman to become Illinois lieutenant governor and the fourth woman lieutenant governor overall. In this position, she uses her knowledge and compassion to create opportunities and widen paths that improve communities around the state. She is determined to demonstrate that moving forward is a team effort and is highly qualified.
Stratton is passionate about the state of Illinois, and its citizens. She works diligently to improve the lives of future generations in Illinois and abroad.
N’DIGO sat down with the honorable Lt. Stratton and discussed the Trump Administration, DEI, and her plans to run for other offices in the state of Illinois.
N’DIGO: What do you think of the Trump administration, and how does it affect the State of Illinois?
Lt. Juliana Stratton: Trump has been in office for a month. The past four weeks have been chaotic and filled with broken promises. He is leaving working people behind, including those in Illinois. By attacking people from all sides, Trump is dismantling our government instead of keeping the promises he made during his campaign.
For the last couple of years, we have heard that Trump would be a champion for the middle class, but he has only enriched himself and his powerful friends. None of this is normal. My focus is to ensure that people recognize he is not normal. However, he is particularly harming Black Americans and our communities. Amid the chaos regarding solutions, he is failing to show compassion. By cutting essential services like Medicaid, our communities will suffer the most. Government is not just a transaction; it’s about caring for people.
What do you consider the top three concerns for residents in Illinois?
Economic Security:
Working families want to know that hard work helps you get ahead. As the Trump Administration cuts jobs and fails to address high costs and inflation, the Pritzker-Stratton Administration has raised the minimum wage, created new jobs, and fought for workers at every turn to make sure that Illinois’ middle-class can thrive.
Access to Affordable Healthcare/Women’s Health:
Health is foundational to a thriving community, and our administration has prioritized working to ensure Illinois families have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare – including reproductive care – because every Illinoisan deserves to have peace of mind when it comes to the health and well-being of their family.
Education and Child Care:
As a working mom and the daughter of a teacher – I know how critically important education and childcare are to the well-being and success of our children and our communities. At a time when the federal government is actively dismantling the Department of Education and threatening school funding, Illinois is continuing to invest in our schools to make sure all students have the tools to succeed.
Your thoughts on DEI?
We see war-like attacks, and it is sounding an alarm.
We aim to foster a merit-based society, but that is not what this is about. Qualified individuals held jobs, yet Trump claims we do not deserve those positions. We stand on the shoulders of others, and he dismisses their contributions. He suggests that we don’t belong; that we’re unqualified, creating divisions among us. Where is the constructive conversation? The rising costs of groceries, prescriptions, medications, and our children’s education—these are the priorities for our community. Instead, he is fueling outrage. We deserve better than this.
In this midst of Trump, where is the Democratic voice?
The democratic voice is what we are pursuing in Illinois. What actions are we taking? At this moment, we must make a choice: do we choose action or apathy? Are we opting for action?
I have launched the “Level Up PAC.” I initiated it after election day and asked myself, will I sit by or will I fight? I aim to keep delivering for Illinois working families. I plan to build elected power and strive to achieve progress for working families.
Watch Trailer for Level Up PAC – Launch Here!
Are you running for the Senate?
I am currently the lieutenant governor. However, there is no Senate seat available. I do not want to put the cart before the horse. Senator Durbin has been an outstanding leader. If he decides to step down, I will strongly consider whether that is the best way for me to serve the people of Illinois.
In Illinois, we have a $3 billion deficit. How do you weigh in on that?
The governor will outline a plan; our administration remains committed to a balanced budget, and this year will be no different. We have made responsible decisions. We have passed six balanced budgets, cleared the bill backlog, and allocated over $2 billion to our rainy day funds, which we did not have before. We are making progress. We have received nine credit upgrades under the Pritzker administration. We must be prudent and wise with taxpayer dollars.
What three things have you learned since being Lt. Governor.
First, it is important to get things done for the people you represent. People are interested in action, not talk. Second, diverse representation matters strongly. We have proven what bold leadership looks like, turning the state around financially.
Secondly, when you have a Trump, you don’t sit idly by; you fight. We are defending and holding people accountable who are stepping on the Constitution. We are providing leadership.
Thirdly, it’s crucial to ensure we center the voices of those who are left behind. I began as a State Representative and am now in my second term as Lieutenant Governor. We must have a strong voice. We need to guarantee that we have voices at the table. I am the first Black Lieutenant Governor. It is important to prepare the next generation.
Legislatively, what do we do with the migrants?
We are taking action. We are fighting in court. We are collaborating with our attorney general to file lawsuits against those undermining the rule of law. We are working tirelessly. We need to raise our voices and bring Trump to court. We must challenge him; we will not stand idly by. We push back. We must remain engaged at all levels of government.
What do you think about freedom of the press?
This is a tactic of Trump. It is unacceptable and undemocratic. This is an example of control. We cannot allow media to fade away. We must support a free press. We need to ensure we support the media. We need to do more.
Would you consider running for Mayor?
I’m focused on continuing to deliver for the people of Illinois as their Lieutenant Governor. Running for Mayor of Chicago is not something I’m considering at this time.
