Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi has officially announced his candidacy for the Senate seat in Illinois, entering a competitive Democratic primary in a state known for its solid blue stance. This announcement comes as Senator Dick Durbin, at 80 years old, prepares to retire after a remarkable four decades of service in Congress.
Krishnamoorthi, 51, joins fellow contenders such as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly as they vie for the coveted Senate position. Other Democrats are also considering entering the race, adding to the dynamic nature of this primary.
As part of his campaign launch, Krishnamoorthi will kick off his activities on Friday, making appearances in key locations including Peoria, Chicago, and Schaumburg. His first campaign video features sharp critiques of former President Donald Trump, labeling him a “convicted felon” who has utilized “billionaires like Elon Musk” to prioritize personal gain over the welfare of Americans.
In an effort to resonate with constituents, Krishnamoorthi humorously addresses his “funny name,” drawing a parallel with that of former President Barack Obama, with whom he previously collaborated. He encourages voters to simply call him “Raja,” aiming to build a personal connection with the electorate.
In a recent interview, Krishnamoorthi articulated what distinguishes him from his rivals, emphasizing his “career of standing up to bullies” in industries such as e-cigarettes and pharmaceuticals. He expressed that the current political climate, particularly following the first 100 days of the Trump administration, has only fueled his desire to pursue office. “A lot of people feel like the American dream is out of reach right now,” he stated, highlighting the economic challenges exacerbated by Trump’s policies.
Krishnamoorthi also referenced his significant involvement in the first impeachment of Donald Trump while serving on the House Intelligence Committee. Currently, he is the leading Democrat on the House select committee focused on U.S.-China competition—a role he may have to relinquish should he win the Senate seat.
His ambitions for higher office have been bolstered by impressive fundraising efforts, with Krishnamoorthi raising $3 million in the first quarter of the year and maintaining a robust $19 million cash reserve. These resources will be crucial in what is anticipated to be a highly competitive primary election.
Despite his past work on Obama’s early congressional campaigns, Krishnamoorthi has not yet discussed his Senate plans with the former president. “The most important endorsement is the people of Illinois,” he affirmed, committing to reaching out to voters across the state to earn their support.
The Democratic primary winner is expected to be a strong contender in the general election. If elected, Krishnamoorthi’s first vote in the Senate would likely pertain to supporting the Democratic leader. When asked if he would endorse Chuck Schumer for re-election, he noted, “I don’t have that vote right now,” indicating his desire to engage with Schumer on pressing issues that affect the American dream.
Krishnamoorthi’s campaign reflects an urgent call among Democrats for a more proactive approach in addressing the concerns of their constituents. “We cannot defend the status quo,” he asserted. “We have to agitate for change,” signaling his commitment to driving progress in Illinois and beyond.
