Election 2026
Courtesy of Steve Botsford

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Steve Botsford discusses ‘broken system’ in politics, ICE reform, and AI regulation

Steve Botsford is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate race. He’s worked in the world of finance and in government. Botsford shares his views on reforming ICE, Medicare for All, and how AI should be regulated by the government. 


 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.   

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

three people sitting at a table
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative Raaj Krishnamoorthi and Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Juliana Stratton await a question during a Feb. 15, 2026 forum for U.S. Senate Candidates hosted by the NAACP at Love Corner Church in Champaign. The three candidates are looking to take the seat currently held by Senator Dick Durbin, and are competing in the March 17, 2026 Primary Elections for a spot on the official ballot. (Cooper O'Kelly/IPM News)

Highlights from NAACP forum featuring US Senate candidates Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Stratton

Over 100 people showed up at Love Corner Church in Champaign on February 15 to hear three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate share their top priorities and answer questions from the audience. 

Christine Hatfield/Illinois Public Media

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jonathan Dean discusses childhood trauma, solar energy, and raising minimum wage

Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Jonathan Dean is a Chicago-based lawyer and a solar energy entrepreneur. He shares his story about a traumatic incident when he was a child and gives his thoughts on policies involving raising the minimum wage, solar energy, and immigration.

 


The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.   
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

a white woman with blond hair wears a coral coat
Courtesy Jeannie Evans for Senate

GOP Senate candidate Jeannie Evans talks Christian values, antitrust laws, and AI

Jeannie Evans is an antitrust enforcement lawyer and one of the Republicans running in next month’s U.S. Senate primary in Illinois. She talks about her Christian upbringing, advocating conservative viewpoints during her time at Harvard Law School, and AI and technology. 

The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0
Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

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