FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 07, 2026
August 07, 2026
Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-374-6491
[email protected]
Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses Illinois’ Juliana Stratton for Election to U.S. Senate
AFGE says Stratton values public service and will fight for workers’ rights
WASHINGTON –– The American Federation of Government Employees today announced its endorsement of Juliana Stratton for election to the U.S. Senate representing Illinois. The general election is Nov. 3.
A Chicago native who grew up in the city’s South Side, Stratton learned the value of public service at an early age thanks to her Navy veteran father and public-school teacher mother. She has fought for Illinois residents all her life, including as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 2017 to 2019 and, since January 2019, as the state’s lieutenant governor.
As a mother of four amazing daughters, Stratton knows what it’s like to juggle work, family, and whatever challenges life presents. She believes the government should deliver for everyday people, not just billionaire donors. She is fighting for a $25 federal minimum wage, Medicare for All, and getting corporate Political Action Committees out of politics.
“Juliana Stratton understands that strong unions and a strong federal workforce are essential to serving the American people,” AFGE District 7 National Vice President Jason Anderson. “At a time when federal employees are under attack, she has stood with workers and fought for the rights and protections they deserve. AFGE is proud to endorse her for the U.S. Senate.”
Stratton will be a strong advocate in Congress for federal employees, organized labor, and all working families. As federal employees face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights and workplace protections, she has made it clear that she stands with workers and the unions that give them a voice.
AFGE previously announced endorsements for Illinois incumbents seeking reelection to the U.S. House in November.
Nearly 90,000 federal employees live in Illinois – caring for veterans, supporting the military, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time.
AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing more than 820,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. AFGE represents nearly 43,000 federal employees in District 7, which includes Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
###
Click here to Donate to the AFGE Federal Employee Defense Fund.
For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center.
Follow us on:
