CHICAGO (Diya TV) — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is building momentum in the race for the U.S. Senate, according to a new WGN-TV/Emerson College poll. The survey shows him leading the Democratic field months before the March 17 primary.
The five-term congressman has secured support from 31 percent of likely Democratic primary voters. His closest competitors, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, are in the low double digits, with 10 percent and 8 percent backing them, respectively.
Despite Krishnamoorthi’s early lead, nearly half of voters—46 percent—remain undecided. Pollsters say this means the primary race is still far from certain.
Analysts note that Krishnamoorthi’s strong showing is closely tied to his campaign finances. He entered the race with almost $20 million in cash on hand and raised an additional $3.6 million in the final three months of 2025. His campaign has spent $7 million on television ads, giving him a dominant presence in the state.
Stratton and Kelly have spent little on broadcast advertising. Experts suggest this financial gap has helped Krishnamoorthi gain name recognition and an early edge among voters.
The poll also shows Krishnamoorthi performing best among older and male voters. More than 40 percent of Democratic voters over age 50 support him. Male voters show a similar level of backing.
Women voters are less decisive. Nearly half of the Illinois women surveyed have not yet made up their minds. Among women who have chosen, 26 percent support Krishnamoorthi, 13 percent favor Stratton, and 8 percent back Kelly.
This mix of support highlights both Krishnamoorthi’s early lead and the remaining uncertainty in the Democratic primary.
Political analysts note that the Illinois Senate seat is considered safely Democratic. The Cook Political Report predicts the party’s nominee will likely face little challenge in the general election. This means winning the primary could be the more significant hurdle for candidates.
Krishnamoorthi recently resigned from his position as the top Democrat on the House select committee focused on competition with China. While he did not provide a detailed explanation, the move comes as his Senate campaign gains traction and more attention statewide.
The Illinois primary on March 17 will determine the Democratic nominee to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. With Krishnamoorthi leading early polls, the race has drawn national interest. Still, the large number of undecided voters leaves room for shifts in support over the coming weeks.
