Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said restoring economic opportunity and holding the government accountable are the core priorities of his campaign as he runs for the US Senate.
“The most important issue right now is that the American dream — the ability of people to fulfil their economic potential — is slipping from the grasp of millions of people,” Krishnamoorthi told IANS in an interview.
He said rising costs have made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable for families across the country. “They’re just not able to afford to live,” he said, pointing to expenses such as groceries, housing, electricity, healthcare and education.
Krishnamoorthi said the economic strain has been compounded by failures in governance. “We have a government that is unaccountable to its citizenry right now,” he said, adding that it is “acting with impunity.”
He criticised trade and fiscal decisions that he said are placing additional burdens on ordinary Americans. “It is basically raising tariffs on everything from everywhere, raising prices for everyone,” he said. He also highlighted the healthcare impact, claiming that policies are stripping health insurance from millions of Americans.
The Illinois Democrat accused the administration of misplaced priorities, saying serious domestic issues are being ignored. “It’s doing everything wrong right now, and we have to make sure that it’s held accountable,” he said.
Krishnamoorthi emphasised democratic principles as central to his campaign. “At the end of the day, the people rule this country, not one individual, not one party,” he said.
If elected in the November 2026 elections, Krishnamoorthi, 52, would become the first Indian American and Hindu to serve in the US Senate. He is contesting for the seat being vacated by Senator Dick Durbin, with the primary scheduled for March 17.
His Senate bid comes amid growing debate over inflation, healthcare access and executive accountability, issues expected to dominate the 2026 election cycle.
