India Tribune Newsdesk

Chicago: A recent survey of 1,007 likely Democratic primary voters in Illinois shows Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi maintaining a commanding advantage in the 2026 U.S. Senate race. With less than two months remaining before early voting begins, Raja holds a 28-point lead over his nearest competitor, solidifying his status as the clear frontrunner in the upcoming primary.

The survey highlights a continued decline in support for Raja’s closest opponent, whose vote share has slipped since previous polling. Meanwhile, Raja’s standing has remained steady and strong, supported by his widespread name recognition and a robust favorability profile among Democratic voters.

Overall, a majority of respondents—57 percent—express a favorable opinion of Raja. This figure significantly surpasses the ratings of his two major competitors: Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who is viewed favorably by 35 percent of voters, and Congresswoman Robin Kelly, whose favorability stands at 25 percent. Raja’s positive image among voters appears to be a key factor contributing to his sustained lead in the race.

Importantly, Raja’s support is broad and consistent across demographic and ideological groups. He leads among men and women, among liberals, moderates, and more centrist Democrats, and across every age bracket surveyed. His advantage also extends geographically, with strong support both within the Chicago media market—traditionally a crucial region in statewide Democratic primaries—and in areas outside Chicago, where candidates often struggle to build name recognition.

As the 2026 primary approaches, the data suggests that Raja enters the final stretch with a durable coalition and significant momentum. Unless major shifts occur in the coming weeks, he remains well-positioned to secure the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.