SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (Diya TV) — U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi officially launched his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on May 7, setting the stage for a high-profile Democratic primary in Illinois as he seeks to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin.
Krishnamoorthi, a Democratic representative from Schaumburg, unveiled his campaign with a call to protect working families and confront what he labeled “Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.” The announcement precedes a three-city kickoff tour across Illinois on May 9, with stops in Peoria, Chicago, and Schaumburg — a symbolic route that connects his roots, professional path, and legislative priorities.
“Senator Dick Durbin is a titan who will go down as one of the most effective and dedicated public servants in Illinois history,” Krishnamoorthi said in a campaign statement. “I am deeply humbled by the encouragement I’ve received from friends, family members, and community leaders urging me, a fellow son of downstate, to run for the U.S. Senate.”
If elected, Krishnamoorthi would become only the second Indian American in U.S. history to serve in the Senate, following Vice President Kamala Harris, who was elected to the chamber in 2016. He currently represents Illinois’ 8th Congressional District and has served in the House of Representatives since 2016.
In a campaign video released alongside his announcement, Krishnamoorthi pledged to “stand up and fight back” against billionaires and “corrupt politicians” who he says threaten democracy and economic opportunity. He specifically criticized Elon Musk and referred to Trump as “a convicted felon,” accusing both of putting personal gain over the well-being of working Americans.
“I’ll never be quiet while billionaires and corrupt politicians deny the dreams of the next generation for their egos and personal profit,” he said.
Born in New Delhi, India, Krishnamoorthi immigrated to the United States as an infant and was raised in Peoria, Illinois. His family, supported by food stamps and public housing during tough times, eventually reached the middle class thanks to his father’s teaching job. A product of Illinois public schools, Krishnamoorthi went on to earn degrees from Princeton and Harvard Law School, working his way through school with scholarships, loans, and part-time jobs.
His public service career began as policy director for Barack Obama’s successful 2004 Senate campaign. He later held roles in Illinois state government and ran small businesses in the Chicago area before entering Congress.
Krishnamoorthi has chaired House subcommittees investigating corporate misconduct and has worked across the aisle on issues like national security, public health, and economic development.
He is also a founding member of the “Samosa Caucus,” an informal group representing the growing number of Indian American lawmakers in Congress.
Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign will focus on defending Social Security, supporting veterans, improving public education, and expanding job training programs — policy areas he says are central to rebuilding the American middle class.
“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 said in his campaign video.
Krishnamoorthi resides in Schaumburg with his wife, Dr. Priya Krishnamoorthi, and their three children.
