CHICAGO (Diya TV) — Neil Khot, a Democrat running for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, joined Diya TV’s Ravi Kapur to discuss his attempt to secure this open seat after Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi launched a run for U.S. Senate. The move has set off a crowded primary in the northwest suburban district.
Khot discussed time spent with Rev. Jesse Jackson, the late civil rights leader who fought for Asian American issues frequently. He said Jackson’s life still pushes the country toward “civil liberties” and “civil rights,” especially now.
Khot credits Black leaders for clearing a path that later immigrant communities could walk. He framed Jackson’s sacrifice as the kind of leadership the country needs again.
Khot said his decision to run for office is anchored by 11-year-old son and his 77-year-old mother, both of whom he thinks about when it comes to providing services for his potential constituents.
Khot will be focused on three core issues. He put Social Security and Medicare at the top, calling them “earned benefits,” and he rejected the idea that they are “freebies.” He also emphasized women’s rights and said Democrats need to “stand up to Trump.”
He then moved to immigration. Khot said ICE raids have hit the district. He described families “torn apart,” and he accused ICE of acting like a “lawless agency.”
Khot also tried to sell a longer-term economic plan. He said younger voters doubt they will ever own a home. He said many doubt they will pay off student loans, even by retirement. He argued the country feels “rich,” but families feel broke.
He tied that frustration to the district’s history. He pointed to Motorola’s legacy in the region. He said, “Nothing has replaced it.” He wants the district to attract “next generation” industries, including EV, AI, robotics, and humanoids.
Khot described a full-scale turnout operation. He said his campaign ranks No. 2 in money raised. He also cited 20,000+ door knocks and 2 million+ digital impressions. He said the campaign has run TV for two months, plus radio. He also said it sent 250,000+ mailers.
He closed with a blunt warning. If Democrats stay home, he argued, “we will not know the country” in two to four years. He urged voters across the district to turn out, from “Pingree Grove to Park Ridge” and “Barrington to Bartlett.” He ended with a line aimed at Washington: the country should work “for the people,” not “for the billionaires.”
