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Campaign news: Big Raja money; Benton over-shares; Rashid’s large cash pile; Jeffries to speak at IDCCA brunch

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Illinois

* US Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi adds $3.1 million to his already bulging Senate war chest. Press release…

Today, the Raja for Illinois campaign announced that it raised over $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2025, outraising its closest competitor by three times. The campaign ended the quarter with over $21 million cash on hand.

The successful Q2 fundraising haul adds to an “eye-popping” $3 million raise in the first quarter, bringing the cycle-to-date total to over $6 million from over 35,000 donations.

News of another quarter with over $3 million raised comes just weeks after the campaign released a new poll showing Raja leading the field by thirteen points.

“Our campaign is driven by tens of thousands of supporters who know that Illinois needs a fighter like Raja Krishnamoorthi in the U.S. Senate. A product of public housing and food stamps, Raja knows what it’s like to be an underdog — that’s why he will never back down when Donald Trump hurts Illinois families who are working hard to get by,” said Raja for Illinois campaign manager Brexton Isaacs. “With growing momentum and a solid foundation of support, this campaign is built to win.”

Click here for a little more on that poll.

* Sun-Times…

The deadline for filing second-quarter reports with the Federal Election Commission is July 15, but campaigns typically tease some of their fundraising hauls, especially if they are bringing in a large amount.

Krishnamoorthi’s total trumps several other U.S. Senate candidates who have already reported their second quarter totals, including State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, who is running for the Senate in Michigan and raised $2.1 million and Jordan Wood, a Maine Democrat running to try to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, who brought in $1.35 million.

In a May interview with the Sun-Times, Krishnamoorthi laughed when he was asked whether he feels annoyed or proud of the repetitive mentions of his fundraising abilities.

“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.

* We told subscribers about this next topic earlier today. The Illinois GOP is pouncing on a Facebook comment from Rep. Harry Benton, who took a swipe at Gov. JB Pritzker’s LG pick.…

Yesterday, JB Pritzker introduced Illinois families to Christian Mitchell – a former do-nothing, corrupt State Representative. Mitchell’s rubber-stamp approval for higher taxes, corruption, both as a state representative and confidant of convicted felon Mike Madigan, are further proof that the Democrat Machine continues full-steam ahead while putting big-donors and special interests first. But don’t just take it from us; take it from Democrat State Representative Harry Benton in a now-deleted Facebook post:

Bottom Line: The ILGOP agrees with Democrat State Representative Harry Benton that Christian Mitchell is “the worst pick.”

* From the Illinois Republican Party’s Facebook page…

Benton told me he only met Mitchell once. “I don’t really feel like getting in the middle of a fight, but, you know, the one time I met him, he was dismissive, didn’t, didn’t care.” Mitchell told Rich he didn’t remember meeting Benton.

* Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid announces big cash stash…

The campaign of State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid today announced it will report more than $500,000 cash on hand in its upcoming quarterly filing.

“This is a clear sign that people are standing with Abdelnasser because they believe in his leadership and his courage to fight for justice,” said Campaign Chairman Clem Balanoff. “This level of support ensures we’ll have the resources to define any race on our terms and powerfully communicate Abdelnasser’s record and vision to voters.”

The fundraising total from more than 2,500 unique donors over the last year positions the campaign with the resources necessary for a strong election cycle. Full financial details will be available in the upcoming disclosure report.

Rep. Rashid told Rich this week that, despite some rumors floating around, he’s running for reelection.

* Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association…

Today the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) announced that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of the 8th Congressional District of New York will headline the annual IDCCA County Chairs Brunch, the premier Illinois Democratic event where its elected officials, leaders, activists and more gather to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and prepare for the upcoming campaign season. IDCCA President Mark Guethle released the following statement.

“Illinoisans face unprecedented harm from Donald Trump and Elon Musk and I cannot think of a better national leader right now to talk to our party about how to meet this moment than Leader and soon to be Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries. We are truly honored Leader Jeffries will fire up Illinois Democrats on how the House of Representatives will fight back against the lawlessness, cruelty, and corruption of the Trump administration. This year’s Brunch will be an event no Democrat can miss as we discuss our path to win back the House of Representatives.” […]

This year’s Brunch will take place on Wednesday, August 13th at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. More information can be found online at idccabrunch.org.

* Related…

QC Times | Illinois U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi kicks off statewide listening tour with Moline stop:

* Crain’s | Stratton raises $1M in U.S. Senate bid: The campaign didn’t release an exact amount or details on donors, which should be available in filings later this month. The race to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in 2026 is already crowded. Stratton faces off against fellow Democratic U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a prodigious fundraiser who has amassed a war chest of more than $19 million, and Robin Kelly, who had about $2 million on hand at the end of the first quarter, according to Federal Election Commission reports.

* CBS Chicago | State Rep. Hoan Huynh running to succeed Jan Schakowsky in Congress for Illinois’ 9th District: Huynh is currently the Illinois General Assembly as the representative for the state’s 13th district, which covers parts of Uptown, Andersonville and Lincoln Square. He filed paperwork to run for Congress late Tuesday night. He released a campaign video Wednesday morning, becoming the eleventh candidate to enter the race for the Democratic nomination. He joins other popular elected officials in the area, including Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and State Senator Laura Fine.

posted by Isabel Miller
Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 11:41 am

Comments

Maybe instead of pithy social media videos Juliana should hire a fundraiser?

Comment by Jr. Neef Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 11:53 am
==he was dismissive, didn’t, didn’t care==

That’s been my experience with Christian Mitchell

Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 11:58 am
Benton ain’t wrong at all.

Comment by ;) Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:00 pm
Holy cow - the Arab Community coming out big for Rashid. I wonder what he intends to do with all of that cash?

Comment by Remember the Alamo II Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:07 pm
C’mon Harry, create a nickname and post your beef here like all the other fragile white men

Comment by Done Deaf Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:10 pm
As a young voter, I’m disappointed in Jeffries’ leadership. Not a surprising pick for the county chair’s brunch but I’m not enthused.

Comment by Fed up Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:15 pm
To the post title - Jeffries is Dem Leader, not speaker. As much as we wish he was in charge right now

Comment by Truthiness Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:16 pm
Harry does convey that aura of “forgetability” with him. Those GOPies sure how to deliver. Can’t wait for the LaHood Rollout — FORGET our TRUMp DOJ sweetheart deal….JD Vance was right the Medicaid minutia

Comment by Annon'in Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:16 pm
===To the post title===

I’ll take the fall for that dumb mistake. Thanks!

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:18 pm
== This level of support ensures we’ll have the resources to define any race on our terms ==

“Any race.” Usually not the kind of statement you put out if you’re just running for reelection as state representative. Always have wondered if Rashid would take a shot at Sean Casten in a primary. Of course, none of the money he just raised could be used for that, so maybe not.

Comment by TNR Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:22 pm
I have a feeling we’ll be hearing rumors of a candidate considering a challenge in Rep. Benton’s district sometime in the near-future…

Comment by NIU Grad Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:25 pm
Harry Benton was responding to Sangamon County Board member Marc Ayers post, which was extremely anti-Christian Mitchell. Not a great look for a guy who wants to replace Bill Houlihan as Sangamon County Dems chair.

Comment by FIREDup! Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:31 pm
== Benton “over-shares”==

Reminds me of the “Kinsley gaffe.” A term named after the political pundit Michael Kinsley who said that a gaffe is when a politician inadvertently says something truthful which they had not meant to reveal.

Comment by O.H. Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 12:58 pm
–
rumors of a candidate considering a challenge in Rep. Benton
–

Why?

One of the aspects of that district is there is a fine line to walk in party affiliation. Remember it was republican Batinick who held this seat immediately prior.

Benton just received a bunch of free press from republicans that he agrees with them.

Benton now has confirmation for all the republicans/independents who voted for him last cycle, that they made the correct choice.

I doubt that was his planned intent here, but I’m certain it is going to be the outcome with a not-inconsequential number of voters in that district.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 1:08 pm
===Benton just received a bunch of free press from republicans that he agrees with them.===

You replied to a comment about a Democratic primary. In that context, your reply doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 1:10 pm
When I was a young political campaign staffer, I spent hours and hours reviewing fundraising reports from our opponents. Sorting through Raja’s reports is going to require a lot more effort and digging than I ever did. However, I’d start first with a zip code sort to glean how much of his cash is coming from out of state donors. My guess is that it is a significant percentage of his total.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 1:20 pm
Raja is running a very professional campaign, but he will get painted as the establishment choice. It will be difficult for Stratton to get viewed as an outsider though.

Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 1:26 pm
Its early but it is becoming apparent that the Senate seat will be an election JB’s money and influence will be wasted on-
still do not understand why he chose to go all in on his LG

Comment by Sue Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 1:27 pm
well, I guess they feel confident that Julianna will win…woman replacing a man….cause they did not put a woman in the Lt.Gov spot.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 2:18 pm
“In that context, your reply doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

Meh. A primary challenge would only work if it came from outside the establishment county Ds. Otherwise, it would just be a repeat of the county Ds last failed primary challenge attempt - Erik Mattson vs. Rachel Ventura.

End of the day, his post helped him more than not.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 2:33 pm
== In that context, your reply doesn’t make a lot of sense.==

Welcome to Will County.

Comment by VK Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 2:36 pm
===Erik Mattson vs. Rachel Ventura===

lol

They ran a moderate/conservative labor guy against a progressive firebrand.

I’m assuming if somebody came after Harry (and that’s a huge if), they’d go after the moderate/conservative labor guy incumbent with someone more progressive.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 2:43 pm
Despite the Kinsley gaffe, I am still a huge Harry Benton fan.

Comment by JR Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 3:24 pm
Maybe JB wanted a different LG for his third term.

It’s easy to play to someone’s ego in politics.
I just don’t see her as a heavyweight in this race.

JB can afford her candidacy in more ways than one.

Comment by Loop Ldy Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 3:24 pm
===I am still a huge Harry Benton fan===

Harry? Is that you? /s

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 3:27 pm
I, for one, appreciate Rep. Benton breaking up these slow summer days with a real life adaptation of the “I don’t think about you at all” meme.

Comment by The Opinions Bureau Wednesday, Jul 2, 25 @ 3:44 pm

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Campaign news: Big Raja money; Benton over-shares; Rashid's large cash pile; Jeffries to speak at IDCCA brunch (07-02)
Rep. Hoan Huynh jumps into packed race for Schakowsky’s seat (Updated) (07-02)
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