Illinois Democrats' Economic Plans in U.S. Senate Primary Focus on Cost of Living

The Illinois Democratic Senate primary features key economic proposals from leading candidates Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. Each contender presents plans to address the significant concern of the cost of living, which recent polling identifies as a top voter issue for the 2026 election. All candidates support raising the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25 to $15 or above, with Kelly proposing a gradual increase to $17 by 2030 and Krishnamoorthi focusing on inflation-adjusted wage increases post-$15. Housing affordability is a central theme, with Stratton emphasizing tax incentives for affordable home construction and restrictions on AI-driven rent setting. Krishnamoorthi advocates for reinstating a refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers and rezoning for more residential development, while Kelly supports capping annual rent hikes and limiting corporate single-family home acquisitions. Health insurance proposals diverge notably: Stratton and Kelly back Medicare for All models with extended coverage elements, whereas Krishnamoorthi proposes drug price negotiation and enforcing regulations on pharmacy benefit managers without endorsing single-payer systems. Food affordability proposals highlight Krishnamoorthi’s push for national free lunch programs and anti-trust measures targeting grocery chains, alongside Stratton’s initiative to fund state programs sourcing local farm produce to food banks. Tax policy differences include Kelly’s advocacy for a minimum tax on millionaire net worth and Social Security tax cap removal, Krishnamoorthi’s support for union dues tax deductions and Social Security tax exclusion, and Stratton’s call for higher taxes on top earners paired with middle-class tax cuts. Tariff regulation and farmer support loans feature uniquely in Krishnamoorthi’s platform. Childcare affordability and support also vary, with proposals ranging from increased Child Tax Credits to federal loans for childcare entrepreneurs and legislative backing for reduced childcare costs. Additional unique policy areas include energy incentives and education funding proposals primarily from Krishnamoorthi. These detailed economic platforms aim to distinguish candidates amid a crowded field in an open Senate seat race, reflecting diverse regulatory, market, and fiscal strategies to address the cost of living crisis that will influence the Illinois Democratic primary election outcomes.