SPRINGFIELD — As Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton campaigns for the U.S. Senate, she continues to promote her so-called “Illinois Blueprint” as a model for the nation.

“...And now I’m taking that blueprint to Washington, D.C.,” Stratton said. When asked how she would deliver, she pointed to Illinois: “Well look what we’ve done here in Illinois…”

So let’s look at what she’s done in Illinois. Families are less safe, communities are more vulnerable, and criminals are more emboldened.

For the 14th consecutive year, Chicago led the nation in total homicides, with 573 murders in 2024 alone. Among major U.S. cities, it also had the highest murder rate.

While cities across the country have seen significant declines in violent crime, Chicago has failed to keep pace.

“Public safety is government’s most basic responsibility. And under Juliana Stratton, Illinois is failing,” said Tracy. “Families don’t feel safe riding the train, walking their neighborhoods, or sending their kids to school. Claiming that she and JB Pritzker have solved the problem is political gaslighting at its worst.”

Reports have documented cases of repeat violent offenders being released pending trial, only to commit additional crimes, including the horrific story of Bethany McGee, a 26-year old woman who was burned alive on the CTA by a man who had been arrested 70 times. Meanwhile, chaos on public transit has escalated, with assaults on the CTA over double the rate of other major transit agencies around the country.

“Instead of standing with law enforcement and victims, my opponent has supported an agenda that too often prioritizes criminals over the communities they harm. That’s the reality of the ‘Illinois Blueprint.’”

Tracy contrasted Illinois’ approach with cities like Memphis, where local leaders partnered with federal law enforcement to crack down on violent crime, which have resulted in dramatic reductions in murders, robberies, and assaults. 

“The contrast in this race is clear: Voters can choose common sense solutions that protect families, or they can choose an extreme political agenda that has made communities less safe. 

“As United States Senator, I’ll stand up for common sense policies that ensure every family in Illinois can feel safe in their own community. Because without safety, nothing else works. Not education. Not economic growth. Not the American Dream.”

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