Raja Krishnamoorthi launches U.S. Senate campaign in Illinois

Indian American Congressman vows to revive the American dream in the face of the “economic chaos” of Trump’s first 100 days

By Arun Kumar 

Indian American Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is launching a campaign for the U.S. Senate in Illinois vowing to revive the American dream in the face of the “economic chaos” of President Donald Trump’s first 100 days.

He joins Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly in the race for a seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, 80, who is retiring after more than four decades in Congress. Other Democrats are also weighing running for the coveted seat in the solidly blue state.

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Krishnamoorthi, 51, who was first elected to the House in 2016, represents a Democratic-leaning district near Chicago. He said he’ll hit the campaign trail Friday to make stops in Peoria, Chicago and Schaumburg.

His launch video includes fierce criticisms of Trump, calling him a “convicted felon” who has tapped “billionaires like Elon Musk” to exploit Americans to boost their own “egos and personal profit.” He makes light of his “funny name,” comparing it to that of former President Barack Obama, whom he once worked for, and encourages voters to simply call him “Raja.”

“As a proud Indian American immigrant and member of the ‘Samosa Caucus,’ I know firsthand how crucial it is to expand South Asian and broader AANHPI representation at every level of government,” he stated.

“I am honored to have the support of the Indian American Impact Fund and am incredibly grateful for their partnership. Right now, there are no South Asian Americans in the entire United States Senate – my election will change that.”

“My parents moved to the United States from India when I was just 3 months old in search of a better life for our family,” Krishnamoorthi recalled. “Being raised as the child of Indian immigrants, I saw firsthand the discrimination and hurdles they faced while trying to chase the American dream.”

“And now, with Donald Trump in office, attacks on immigrants have reached an all time high. That’s one of the many reasons why I’m running for Senate,” he stated. “I won’t let bullies like Trump attack America’s fundamental values. America’s diversity strengthens us and we won’t let manufactured hate and fear divide us.”

Leading community political advocacy organization Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed Krishnamoorthi describing him as “a champion for working families.”

“Raja has distinguished himself as a principled, results-driven leader focused on expanding economic opportunity, strengthening national security, and ensuring government accountability,” it stated.

“A champion for working families, Congressman Krishnamoorthi has consistently advanced policies that invest in education, create good-paying jobs, and support small businesses,” the Impact stated.

“His leadership as Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party has earned him national recognition as a leading voice on foreign policy.”

The Indian American Impact Fund has proudly worked alongside Congressman Krishnamoorthi in past elections to engage voters and build grassroots power for voters across Illinois, it said.

His Senate candidacy represents a strong opportunity to elect a proven Democratic leader who will fight for a fairer, more inclusive future for all Illinoisans.

“Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the very best of public service—principled, visionary, and deeply committed to building a more just and prosperous America,” Chintan Patel, Executive Director of the Indian American Impact Fund, stated.

“He has been a fearless advocate for all Americans, with a proven track record of delivering real results on everything from job creation and education to national security and public health. His election would be nothing short of historic—Raja would become the only South Asian American in the United States Senate and the first South Asian Senator elected from Illinois.”

“But more than that, he is the kind of leader our democracy needs right now: someone who listens, who leads with integrity, and who knows how to bring people together and fight to get things done. We are all in. Impact is proud to stand with Raja, and we will do everything in our power to send him to the Senate,” Patel stated.