By Prashant Shah
Chicago: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has officially launched his campaign for the United States Senate, stepping into the race with a message of resistance against Donald Trump’s influence and a promise to defend working families across Illinois. In his announcement, Krishnamoorthi expressed deep admiration for retiring Senator Dick Durbin, calling him a "titan" and "one of the most effective and dedicated public servants in Illinois history." Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic congressman known for his work on oversight and accountability, enters the race as a first-generation immigrant with a personal story rooted in the heart of Illinois.
Raja’s campaign centers around his determination to “stand up and fight back” against what he describes as Trump’s extreme agenda. In a video released with his campaign launch, Krishnamoorthi outlines his motivation to run, citing his lifelong mission to stand up to bullies and protect families like his own. As the son of Indian immigrants and a graduate of Peoria public schools, he emphasizes his commitment to ensuring that all Illinois families—no matter their background—have access to opportunities and economic security. He calls for bold action to safeguard Social Security for seniors, ensure support for veterans, protect public education, and expand access to job training programs.
“I’ve made it my mission to fight for families like the ones I grew up with—people who just want a chance to work hard and realize their dreams,” Krishnamoorthi says in his campaign message. “So I’ll never be quiet while billionaires like Elon Musk and a convicted felon deny the dreams of the next generation for their own egos and personal profit.” Without naming Trump directly in that line, his point is clear: he sees his campaign as a battle to preserve the American Dream for the next generation and push back against political and economic extremism.
On Friday, May 9, Krishnamoorthi is set to begin his campaign trail with a tour across three key locations in Illinois—his hometown of Peoria, followed by stops in Chicago and Schaumburg. These events mark the first official outreach of his Senate run, aiming to energize supporters and build momentum early in the campaign.
Krishnamoorthi’s life story is one of resilience and determination. His family arrived in the United States from India when he was just three months old. After his father lost his job, public assistance programs including food stamps and public housing helped them stay afloat. Eventually, a teaching position in Peoria gave the family a stable path forward. Raja credits Illinois public schools for setting him on his journey. He earned scholarships, worked multiple jobs, and took out student loans to pay for college and law school.
Following law school, he clerked for a federal judge in Chicago and then joined Barack Obama’s 2004 Senate campaign as policy director. His early public service work focused on anti-corruption efforts, economic development, and government accountability. He later became a successful entrepreneur, leading technology-oriented small businesses in the Chicagoland area. Elected to Congress in 2016, Krishnamoorthi quickly gained a reputation for his thorough work on the House Oversight Committee, where he has consistently pressed for corporate accountability and consumer protections.
Krishnamoorthi and his wife, Dr. Priya Krishnamoorthi, live in Schaumburg with their three children. His campaign is expected to draw national attention as Democrats work to defend their slim majority in the Senate and Illinois voters prepare to choose a successor to Senator Durbin. With his blend of personal grit, legislative experience, and a progressive platform focused on equity and opportunity, Krishnamoorthi hopes to offer a compelling vision for Illinois’ future.
