CHICAGO (Diya TV) — U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is gaining serious financial momentum in his race for the U.S. Senate. The Illinois Democrat raised an impressive $3.1 million between April and July. That brings his total fundraising this year to $6.1 million, making him a top contender in the race to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Krishnamoorthi began preparing for a Senate run earlier this year. He collected $3 million from January through March, even before officially entering the race. His campaign says the combined total comes from more than 35,000 individual donations. That number signals widespread grassroots support.
Krishnamoorthi’s campaign now holds over $21 million in cash. The primary election is more than eight months away, scheduled for March 17, 2026. His early financial strength positions him as a frontrunner in what’s expected to be a highly competitive Democratic primary.
He launched his Senate bid in early May, just one day after Rep. Robin Kelly entered the race. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton joined shortly before both lawmakers, announcing her candidacy a day after Durbin said he would not seek reelection.
Stratton has drawn high-profile endorsements, including support from Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth. She recently reported raising more than $1 million. While Stratton benefits from party backing, it remains unclear whether Pritzker — a billionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune — will provide personal funds to boost her campaign.
Krishnamoorthi’s second-quarter fundraising outpaces several Democratic Senate hopefuls across the country. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow of Michigan raised $2.1 million during the same period. Jordan Wood, a Democrat from Maine, reported raising $1.35 million in his campaign to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Federal law requires campaigns to file second-quarter fundraising reports by July 15. However, candidates often release early totals to signal their strength, especially when the numbers are high.
Krishnamoorthi’s success draws from a wide donor base and strong name recognition in Illinois. He has served in Congress since 2017, representing the state’s 8th District in the Chicago suburbs.
In a May interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Krishnamoorthi downplayed the attention his fundraising gets. “I think it’s a sideshow,” he said with a laugh. “I’m most proud of the tent — the fact that tens of thousands of people have entrusted me with their hard-earned money because they believe in my office. They believe in my mission.”
Krishnamoorthi enters a field that could grow even more crowded in the coming months. His early financial lead gives him a major advantage as he builds name recognition across Illinois. Stratton’s high-level endorsements could help her mobilize key Democratic voters, while Robin Kelly, who also serves as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, brings her network of supporters and donors.
The outcome of the race could shape the direction of the Democratic Party in Illinois. Durbin’s decision to step down after more than two decades in the Senate opened the door for a new generation of leadership. Krishnamoorthi’s campaign is now betting that strong fundraising and grassroots energy can carry him through the primary and beyond.
