WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the Illinois U.S. Senate Democratic primary, according to new polling released by The Impact Fund, the affiliated political action committee of Indian American Impact. The survey shows Krishnamoorthi leading his rivals by a wide margin, with unmatched name recognition and strong support across the state.
The poll, conducted by Z to A Research, surveyed 615 likely Democratic primary voters in Illinois between Aug. 8 and Aug. 10, 2025. The results suggest that Krishnamoorthi is in a commanding position ahead of the 2026 primary. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.95 percentage points.
In a three-way matchup against Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Krishnamoorthi holds a 21-point lead. The poll found him at 38% support, compared to 17% for Stratton and 7% for Kelly. Another 37% of voters remain undecided.
The survey also revealed that Krishnamoorthi’s statewide name recognition is the highest among all candidates, with 88% of respondents familiar with him. This advantage appears to translate into voter support when undecided voters are asked to make a choice. In that scenario, Krishnamoorthi’s backing rises above 50%, giving him majority support among Democratic voters.
The Impact Fund’s Executive Director, Chintan Patel, praised Krishnamoorthi’s leadership and track record. Patel noted that the organization was among his first national supporters and said the poll confirms that voters across Illinois share that confidence.
Patel pointed to Krishnamoorthi’s focus on protecting Social Security and Medicare, lowering health care costs, and addressing the rising cost of living. He emphasized that these priorities are resonating with voters at a time when middle-class families face economic challenges and key rights are under threat.
“Raja’s record of delivering results is exactly what Illinois needs in the U.S. Senate,” Patel said.
The poll results position Krishnamoorthi as the candidate to beat in the upcoming Democratic primary. His combination of name recognition, issue alignment, and early support from influential groups could make it challenging for opponents to close the gap.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly remain well-known political figures in Illinois, but the survey suggests they have significant ground to cover. The high number of undecided voters could still shift the race, but the data shows Krishnamoorthi with a firm advantage.
The 2026 race will determine who will represent the Democratic Party in the general election for the U.S. Senate seat from Illinois. With the state’s strong Democratic leanings, the primary winner will be heavily favored in November.
Krishnamoorthi’s campaign is expected to build on this momentum by expanding outreach to undecided voters and reinforcing his policy positions. His emphasis on economic security, health care affordability, and protecting federal benefits aligns with key concerns among Illinois voters.
The poll’s findings suggest that his message is reaching a wide audience and gaining traction. The combination of a well-known name, a strong policy platform, and early backing from advocacy groups like The Impact Fund may help him maintain his lead in the months ahead.
As the 2026 Illinois Democratic primary approaches, all eyes will be on whether Krishnamoorthi can convert his current lead into a decisive victory. If the poll numbers hold, he could enter the general election with significant momentum and a united party base.
