Happy Independence Day.

Today marks the 249th birthday of the United States — a day meant to celebrate our independence, our democracy, and the promise of freedom.

But while we reflect on what makes this country worth fighting for, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are busy celebrating their version of America: one where the ultra wealthy and well-connected get richer at the expense of the middle class.

We should be celebrating our democracy and freedom from tyranny, but Republicans are kissing the ring of a wannabe dictator and putting their political ambitions over the will of the American people.

Just yesterday, Congressional Republicans showed us who they really answer to — not the American people, not their constituents, but their puppet master, Donald Trump.

Trump and his lackeys signed a Republican Budget that will leave millions of Americans without health care, raise utility bills, rip food out of the mouths of hungry children, force rural hospitals to shut down, and drive up costs for hardworking families.

When people get sicker, when children go hungry, when Americans die because they can’t get the care they need, the blame will lie squarely with Republicans who chose to line the pockets of billionaires by robbing the people they represent.

Republicans had an opportunity to do the right thing, but they chose cowardice instead. Shame on them.

This isn’t just a political fight — it’s a moral one. It’s about who we are as a country and who we’re willing to fight for. And all of the progress we’ve made in Illinois — expanding healthcare access, raising the minimum wage, protecting reproductive freedom — is under attack in Washington.

That’s exactly why I’m running for the U.S. Senate. Because I refuse to let Trump and his MAGA allies drag us backwards. I refuse to let them write a future where only the wealthy and powerful have a voice. I’m running to fight for the working people who’ve been ignored for too long — and to bring Illinois values to a place that needs them.

So, on this Independence Day, let’s remember what this holiday is really about: rejecting tyranny. Defending freedom. Standing up for democracy — even when it’s hard. We owe it to ourselves to recommit to the American Dream and be ready to fight for it.

The fight our founders began 249 years ago isn’t over. It’s our fight now. And if you’re ready to be part of it, I hope you’ll stand with me.

Happy Independence Day.

Juliana Stratton

Wait... before you click away! 🇺🇸

Juliana Stratton, daughter of a public school teacher and a Navy veteran, has spent her career fighting for working families. As Illinois Lieutenant Governor, she’s delivered real results — and now she’s ready to take that fight to Washington.

Donald Trump is pushing our country to its breaking point, so Juliana’s stepping up to defend our freedoms, protect our democracy, and fight for every working family — but she can’t do it alone.

Chip in here to support Juliana’s campaign for U.S. Senate. Juliana is not accepting a dime of Corporate PAC money, so she needs your help to get to Washington.

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