Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi launches Illinois Senate campaign, joining a growing field
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is launching a campaign for U.S. Senate in Illinois, jumping into a growing Democratic primary field for a coveted seat in the solidly blue state.
WASHINGTON — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is launching a campaign for the Senate in Illinois, jumping into a growing Democratic primary field for a coveted seat in the solidly blue state.
He joins Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly in the race for a seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, 80, who is retiring after more than four decades in Congress. Other Democrats are also weighing running.
Krishnamoorthi, 51, who was first elected to the House in 2016, represents a Democratic-leaning district near Chicago. He said he’ll hit the campaign trail Friday to make stops in Peoria, Chicago and Schaumburg.
His launch video includes fierce criticisms of President Donald Trump, calling him a “convicted felon” who has tapped “billionaires like Elon Musk” to exploit Americans to boost their own “egos and personal profit.” He makes light of his “funny name,” comparing it to that of former President Barack Obama, whom he once worked for, and encourages voters to simply call him “Raja.”
Asked in an interview what sets him apart from his rivals, Krishnamoorthi touted a “career of standing up to bullies” like the e-cigarette industry and pharmaceutical companies.
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