U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is the latest Democrat to enter the 2026 U.S. Senate primary for retiring Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat.
Krishnamoorthi, of Schaumburg, has represented the 8th Congressional District since 2017. He was born in India and grew up in Peoria. He earned a law degree from Harvard and has worked in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and led a small tech company in the Chicago suburbs.
Describing his middle-class upbringing, Krishnamoorthi said he’ll “never be quiet while billionaires like Elon Musk and a convicted felon deny the dreams of the next generation for their own egos.”
“People want to know: At this moment, in this time, where is the power to fight back?” Krishnamoorthi said in a video launching his campaign. “What does it look like? Well, I’ll tell you. It looks like you … all of us ready to step up and fight back.”
Krishnamoorthi’s formal announcement had been expected and it comes two weeks after the 80-year-old Durbin announced he would not seek a sixth term. It also follows announcements by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson that they would enter the March 17 Democratic primary.
With his bid, Krishnamoorthi injects into the race a mix of moderate policy positions such as supporting small business initiatives — in line with the ideology of many voters in his suburban district — along with progressivism as one of 19 vice chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus, a group that promotes equality for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
“I see myself as kind of a radical common sense progressive,” the one-time small business security firm owner said in an interview before his announcement.
“I’m a racial, religious, ethnic minority immigrant with 29 letters in my name. I identify with people who are strivers or dreamers, as single moms, the most vulnerable, LGBTQ people who have been bullied,” Krishnamoorthi said. “I identify myself with the small businesses who constantly feel like the playing field is unlevel for them relative to big corporations, because I myself felt that way relative to my competitors.”
Krishnamoorthi, 51, is the son of Indian parents, and was raised in Peoria. The Harvard Law School graduate clerked for a federal judge before practicing law in Chicago. He became the first South Asian American in history to lead a congressional committee when he became a ranking member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
The political dominoes are now in place for other Democrats to run in Krishnamoorthi’s district, as well as Kelly’s 2nd Congressional District. And if Rep. Lauren Underwood also opts to run for the Senate, Democrats are already lining up to run in the 14th District.
In a Sun-Times interview, Krishnamoorthi laughed when asked whether he feels either annoyed or proud of the repetitive mentions of the $19 million and counting campaign war chest he has amassed.
“I think it’s a sideshow. I think that 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 said. “…I think people have seen that. They have entrusted me with resources to pursue that mission. And in light of Elon Musk and the unprecedented amount of money that he has kind of unleashed into the system, I look forward to having the resources to be able to defend my track record and be able to get our message out as well.”
On Friday, Krishnamoorthi will host his first official campaign events, making stops in his hometown of Peoria, as well as Chicago and Schaumburg. […]
Krishnamoorthi was first elected to Congress in 2016, representing the suburban 8th District seat that had been held by Duckworth before she won the state’s other Senate seat. In 2012, Krishnamoorthi lost to Duckworth for the House seat.
This won’t be his first time running statewide. In 2010 Krishnamoorthi ran for state comptroller, losing by a razor-thin margin after he served as Illinois’ deputy treasurer.
Krishnamoorthi is also a longtime behind-the-scenes player in Illinois Democratic politics, including working for Barack Obama’s unsuccessful run for Congress in 2000, his winning bid for Senate in 2004, and his 2008 presidential campaign.
In an interview with ABC News, the five-term congressman said he’s running on a record of confronting “bullies” like Donald Trump and is keenly focused on opposing the efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk to slash federal agencies, programs and jobs.
“I have a track record of standing up to Donald Trump in Congress. I voted for impeaching him twice, but I also … played a big role in the first impeachment hearings on Capitol Hill,” said Krishnamoorthi, who entered the House in 2016, now serves as the top Democrat on the House China select committee on the Chinese Communist Party and is a senior member of the Intelligence and Oversight committees. […]
Krishnamoorthi told ABC News that his record, paired with his ability to “stand up” to Trump distinctly, makes him uniquely positioned for the role.
“I think that your track record matters. I think that the diversity of your experiences, plus … where you come from, I think that matters,” he said. “I think that most of all, who is going to be the most effective at standing up to Donald Trump but also delivering for constituents?”
* More…
* Bloomberg | Raja Krishnamoorthi Enters Illinois Senate Race for Dick Durbin’s Seat: The contest to replace the retiring Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois continues to get more competitive as a prominent critic of President Donald Trump enters what promises to be a crowded 2026 Democratic primary. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, who announced on Wednesday that he’s running for the seat, brings a formidable $19 million war chest to the battle.
* Axios | Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi launches bid for U.S. Senate: Krishnamoorthi’s announcement video starts off by focusing on his opposition to the Trump administration, saying he spent his “life standing up to bullies.” The 51-year-old, 5-term congressman cited abortion, gun control and opposition to DOGE and tariffs as key issues of his campaign. He also leaned heavily into his ties to former President Obama — who he worked for as a campaign operative — who he said “showed that Illinois will give you a shot even when you have a funny name.”
*ABC Chicago | Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi running for US Senate: The congressman now joins Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Representative Robin Kelly in the race for Durbin’s Senate seat. Other possible contenders to enter the race include Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and on the Republican side, Representative Darin LaHood.
Garfield Ridge Guy - I think you’re being sarcastic because, as you know, we’re not a party that believes in kings and oligarchs.
- SpeakForYorself - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:00 am:
Raja’s fusion of performative moderation with authoritarian management and exploitation of Desi identity to engage in nationalist-adjacent fundraising isn’t just cynical, it’s dangerous. He’s not an Illinois candidate, he’s a self candidate.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:06 am:
==The primary was already decided by JB Pritzker.==
That’s a pretty big leap with almost a year of campaigning to go. I’m sure that is what Stratton and her supporters hope, but the ground game and state-wide appeal will determine the winner in this one. Because the primary contenders are concentrated in the Chicago metro area, appealing to downstate Dems will be a key to winning the Primary and will help win the General as well. Stratton travels the state, Kelly’s district goes all the way down to Pontiac, Rantoul, and Danville, and Raja has been showing up at downstate events for quite a while; so, they all recognize the importance.
==he famously runs through staff like no one else in the state.==
I’ve heard that as well. It will be interesting to see if it gets any traction.
Congresswoman Underwood got some good social media coverage this week. She should take that and build on it for the future. The rest of the field is heading for the starting gate. I’ll enjoy watching the vigorous race through Rich and Metro coverage. May the best leader win.
The consultants are going to make bank this election cycle in Illinois.
- Remember the Alamo II - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:23 am:
We should all be excited that there are several outstanding options that can serve as our new US Senator.
- West side somewhere - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:40 am:
How dare she use Emma Shafer’s name and tragic death as a talking point like this when family and friends are still reeling. People who really knew Emma would know she would’ve hated this.
- People’s Republic of Oak Park - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:53 am:
IMHO this announcement has a lot more steak than sizzle than the other two. It’s almost of as if Raja has been thinking about this for a while.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:11 am:
I watched all three ads of Raja, Stratton, Kelly back to back for the first time this a.m.
All claiming Obama cred. All claiming to be the one to stand up to Trump and be the fighter for you.
The Raja intro ad seemed to almost cover too much ground so that no single theme seemed to come out of it for me.
I may just be a little extra soured on it though after seeing the comment Raja gave Semafor that he is open to Chuck Schumer staying on as Dem leader and filibuster carve-outs.
This Dem primary voter wants to hear the Senate candidates say it’s time to move forward in the Senate with fresh leadership and a pledge to end the filibuster to get Congress working again.
If “potential president” is our litmus, we’re already cooked. I’ll just be content with someone who’s not bending over backwards to sell us out to the GOP.
===Referring to maga as “extremists” is something that more D’s should be doing. Also the reference to “working people” is a winner. Again, more people should use it.===
What planet have you been living on for the past 8 years? Those are standard-issue Democratic talking points.
The GOP controls the presidency, the House, the Senate, and the Supreme Court.
Some people need to understand that this is a big hole that needs to be dug out of, and you can’t start digging out of it by pretending the election didn’t happen and you are starting off at
November 6th 2024. Trump has only been in office for 100 days, and he’s taken us back 10 years. He has 1,300 days left to his presidency.
I think all Julianna Stratton needs to win is to emphasize her important work as cannabis czar and her work ethic which was forged in the crucible of the position of Lt. Governor.
===At this moment, in this time, where is the power to fight back?===
The congressman is sitting on millions of dollars of campaign contributions. Literally tens of millions. The GOP majority in congress is scant.
If the congressman is so concerned about fighting back, why didn’t he utilize more of those campaign funds to support efforts by other Democrats to win seats?
He’s been fundraising like a dragon building a treasure hoard, but at what cost to the party? To the country?
As of now, the Democrats will do just fine in 2026 in the House. They will have no problem raising money. They will have no problem getting a good turnout. The only question , right now is how many seats they will likely pick up. The Democratic message in Illinois is one of unity towards for their beliefs.
- It's always Sunny in Illinois - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:28 pm:
This Dem primary voter wants to hear the Senate candidates say it’s time to move forward in the Senate with fresh leadership and a pledge to end the filibuster to get Congress working again.
If the Democrats in the Senate want to end the filibuster…..now”s a perfect time to move forward…..would like to hear all candidates for Durbin’s seat position on ending the filibuster….now
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:29 pm:
==Sorry, are you calling Durbin a “progressive?” I’m not going to be able to take you seriously if that’s the case. ==
Durbin is, and always has been, a “progressive.” That said, progressivism has, as the term implies, progressed; yesterday’s “progressive” is not automatically considered today’s. (An important note to anyone claiming the moniker.)
FWIW, I still consider Durbin a progressive. He may not be leading the movement, but he helped lay the groundwork for today’s leaders. That’s how it works.
Hmmm. Raja’s railing against billionaires will become more dicey after JB announces his national intentions. Words said now will show up again later. In general, if the concept of billionaires in politics bothers people it is usually in a way that does not distinguish between political party.
Loop Lady, the party bigwigs endorsed Stratton. The more people that run, the more the non-combine vote gets split. I could see Stratton winning the primary with 35% of the vote. And I will obviously be repeating myself… the most qualified candidate doesn’t mean a whole lot. This is a popularity contest.
Crain’s article by Greg hinz yesterday states Krishnamoorthi raises and donated $4.5 Million to House democratic candidates among other donations. Dude is good at fundraising and it does seem like he is helping out other candidates. The Crains article was linked yesterday.
-Raja’s railing against billionaires will become more dicey after JB announces his national intentions-
The Democratic party is now the party of rich zip codes. This isn’t the 1984 Democratic party. Raja’s railing against billionaires doesn’t mean much and will not help or hurt Raja. Alex Soros, Reid Hoffman, Melina Gates , and Laurie Jobs might actually help Raja out.
- Steve - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 9:25 am:
It’s a very good ad for Illinois Democratic primary voters. Raja covered a lot of ground in the ad.
- Neef Jr. - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 9:37 am:
Good ad. Tad bit repetitive but that is probably the point. Good red meat, good downstate slant, overall I would give it an A-
- Midwesterner - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 9:45 am:
A bit rich for him to make “fighting bullies” his campaign theme when he famously runs through staff like no one else in the state.
- Here Here - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 9:54 am:
Garfield Ridge Guy - I think you’re being sarcastic because, as you know, we’re not a party that believes in kings and oligarchs.
- SpeakForYorself - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:00 am:
Raja’s fusion of performative moderation with authoritarian management and exploitation of Desi identity to engage in nationalist-adjacent fundraising isn’t just cynical, it’s dangerous. He’s not an Illinois candidate, he’s a self candidate.
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:06 am:
==The primary was already decided by JB Pritzker.==
That’s a pretty big leap with almost a year of campaigning to go. I’m sure that is what Stratton and her supporters hope, but the ground game and state-wide appeal will determine the winner in this one. Because the primary contenders are concentrated in the Chicago metro area, appealing to downstate Dems will be a key to winning the Primary and will help win the General as well. Stratton travels the state, Kelly’s district goes all the way down to Pontiac, Rantoul, and Danville, and Raja has been showing up at downstate events for quite a while; so, they all recognize the importance.
==he famously runs through staff like no one else in the state.==
I’ve heard that as well. It will be interesting to see if it gets any traction.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:08 am:
The more legitimate candidates that enter the primary, the better the odds for Stratton. Raja is the biggest competition, though.
- Amalia - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:12 am:
not a candidate for potential Democratic Presidential candidates. a big negative to me.
- Norseman - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:15 am:
Congresswoman Underwood got some good social media coverage this week. She should take that and build on it for the future. The rest of the field is heading for the starting gate. I’ll enjoy watching the vigorous race through Rich and Metro coverage. May the best leader win.
- JSI - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:16 am:
The consultants are going to make bank this election cycle in Illinois.
- Remember the Alamo II - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:23 am:
We should all be excited that there are several outstanding options that can serve as our new US Senator.
- West side somewhere - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:40 am:
How dare she use Emma Shafer’s name and tragic death as a talking point like this when family and friends are still reeling. People who really knew Emma would know she would’ve hated this.
- People’s Republic of Oak Park - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 10:53 am:
IMHO this announcement has a lot more steak than sizzle than the other two. It’s almost of as if Raja has been thinking about this for a while.
- hisgirlfriday - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:11 am:
I watched all three ads of Raja, Stratton, Kelly back to back for the first time this a.m.
All claiming Obama cred. All claiming to be the one to stand up to Trump and be the fighter for you.
The Raja intro ad seemed to almost cover too much ground so that no single theme seemed to come out of it for me.
I may just be a little extra soured on it though after seeing the comment Raja gave Semafor that he is open to Chuck Schumer staying on as Dem leader and filibuster carve-outs.
https://www.semafor.com/newsletter/05/07/2025/semafor-principals-deal-or-no-deal?utm_source=nowshare&utm_medium=principals&utm_campaign=flagshipnumbered7
This Dem primary voter wants to hear the Senate candidates say it’s time to move forward in the Senate with fresh leadership and a pledge to end the filibuster to get Congress working again.
- TJ - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:23 am:
The most telegraphed campaign ever has finally started. He’s clearly been prepping to run for who knows how many years now?
He’s tentatively got my support at the moment.
- Bob - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:23 am:
@Amalia
If “potential president” is our litmus, we’re already cooked. I’ll just be content with someone who’s not bending over backwards to sell us out to the GOP.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:33 am:
===Referring to maga as “extremists” is something that more D’s should be doing. Also the reference to “working people” is a winner. Again, more people should use it.===
What planet have you been living on for the past 8 years? Those are standard-issue Democratic talking points.
- DuPage Saint - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:38 am:
The man has more letters in his name and Han there are letters in the alphabet. I am impressed
- Merica - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:45 am:
smh - “progressives selling out to the GOP”
The GOP controls the presidency, the House, the Senate, and the Supreme Court.
Some people need to understand that this is a big hole that needs to be dug out of, and you can’t start digging out of it by pretending the election didn’t happen and you are starting off at
November 6th 2024. Trump has only been in office for 100 days, and he’s taken us back 10 years. He has 1,300 days left to his presidency.
- HSI - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 11:59 am:
I think all Julianna Stratton needs to win is to emphasize her important work as cannabis czar and her work ethic which was forged in the crucible of the position of Lt. Governor.
Krishnamoorthi has actual appeal.
- Steve - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 12:04 pm:
- is a big hole that needs to be dug out of-
The Democrats are very, very close to controlling the House of Representatives. Things look very good for 2026.
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 12:21 pm:
===At this moment, in this time, where is the power to fight back?===
The congressman is sitting on millions of dollars of campaign contributions. Literally tens of millions. The GOP majority in congress is scant.
If the congressman is so concerned about fighting back, why didn’t he utilize more of those campaign funds to support efforts by other Democrats to win seats?
He’s been fundraising like a dragon building a treasure hoard, but at what cost to the party? To the country?
- Steve - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 12:25 pm:
-but at what cost to the party?-
As of now, the Democrats will do just fine in 2026 in the House. They will have no problem raising money. They will have no problem getting a good turnout. The only question , right now is how many seats they will likely pick up. The Democratic message in Illinois is one of unity towards for their beliefs.
- Bob - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:07 pm:
@Merica
Sorry, are you calling Durbin a “progressive?” I’m not going to be able to take you seriously if that’s the case.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:18 pm:
I fail to follow the logic on your post.
IMHO, Raja and Robin are the best qualified followed closely by Lauren.
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:23 pm:
That’s me above, not Ducky, my bad…
- It's always Sunny in Illinois - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:28 pm:
This Dem primary voter wants to hear the Senate candidates say it’s time to move forward in the Senate with fresh leadership and a pledge to end the filibuster to get Congress working again.
If the Democrats in the Senate want to end the filibuster…..now”s a perfect time to move forward…..would like to hear all candidates for Durbin’s seat position on ending the filibuster….now
- Pot calling kettle - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:29 pm:
==Sorry, are you calling Durbin a “progressive?” I’m not going to be able to take you seriously if that’s the case. ==
Durbin is, and always has been, a “progressive.” That said, progressivism has, as the term implies, progressed; yesterday’s “progressive” is not automatically considered today’s. (An important note to anyone claiming the moniker.)
FWIW, I still consider Durbin a progressive. He may not be leading the movement, but he helped lay the groundwork for today’s leaders. That’s how it works.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:32 pm:
===Durbin is, and always has been, a “progressive.” ===
lol
No.
- Bob - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:36 pm:
At this point, I’m reasonably certain that our Overton Window has brain damage.
- Responsa - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:46 pm:
Hmmm. Raja’s railing against billionaires will become more dicey after JB announces his national intentions. Words said now will show up again later. In general, if the concept of billionaires in politics bothers people it is usually in a way that does not distinguish between political party.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:50 pm:
Loop Lady, the party bigwigs endorsed Stratton. The more people that run, the more the non-combine vote gets split. I could see Stratton winning the primary with 35% of the vote. And I will obviously be repeating myself… the most qualified candidate doesn’t mean a whole lot. This is a popularity contest.
- Suburban Mom - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 1:57 pm:
@Candy Dogood
Crain’s article by Greg hinz yesterday states Krishnamoorthi raises and donated $4.5 Million to House democratic candidates among other donations. Dude is good at fundraising and it does seem like he is helping out other candidates. The Crains article was linked yesterday.
- Bob - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 2:03 pm:
Easily the best of the three announcement videos.
- Bob - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 2:09 pm:
Great. Now I need a new name.
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 2:19 pm:
Ducky,
Party leaders are not the only voters in this election.
The voters elect candidates for office, not the big wigs.
We shall see.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 2:29 pm:
The bigwigs reach is far and wide. Their endorsements and money go a long way to certain voters. Don’t underestimate it.
- Steve - Wednesday, May 7, 25 @ 6:26 pm:
-Raja’s railing against billionaires will become more dicey after JB announces his national intentions-
The Democratic party is now the party of rich zip codes. This isn’t the 1984 Democratic party. Raja’s railing against billionaires doesn’t mean much and will not help or hurt Raja. Alex Soros, Reid Hoffman, Melina Gates , and Laurie Jobs might actually help Raja out.
- Candy Dogood - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 12:08 am:
===The Democratic party is now the party of rich zip codes. ===
Setting a really low bar for “rich zip codes.”