Candidates for U.S. Senate spend Labor Day in QCA

Sep

2025

In the News

Candidates for U.S. Senate spend Labor Day in QCA

Rock Island County Democrats celebrated organized labor in the Quad Cities with their annual holiday picnic.

Three U.S Senate candidates looking to fill current Senator Dick Durbin’s seat in 2026 stopped by the picnic on Monday afternoon.

While the focus of picnic was to celebrate the labor movement, candidates also took time to campaign.

“I couldn’t pretend to replace him,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. “I could only build on the foundation of success that he’s laid. I’d like to continue with his service of helping everyone in Illinois, regardless of where they live, including here in the Quad Cities.”

Congressman Krishnamoorthi says middle class workers in the Quad Cities are a foundation for the rest of the state.

“Let’s just remember that the labor movement is what made the middle class. We wouldn’t have a middle class without them. So, I’m here to thank labor, and celebrate together with them and all of our families,” said Krishnamoorthi.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is also running for senate and highlighted the Quad Cities as a hub for organized labor.

“I wanted to be here with all of the workers and their families, and celebrate them, and let them know that I will always stand with the men and women of organized labor,” said Stratton. “Illinois is union strong and we always will be.”

Dick Durbin has represented Illinois in the senate since 1997. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, also a candidate for Senate, says filling that spot comes with responsibility.

“Every area of Illinois is important. And the Quad Cities is very important,” says Kelly. “I want everyone to know that they count, their voices count, and they’re important.”

By Riley Hemmer