Raja Krishnamoorthi has made his candidacy for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Illinois official, unveiling his campaign with an impactful video on Wednesday. In the announcement, he criticized former President Trump and positioned himself as a determined opponent of extremist elements within American politics.
Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois’s 8th congressional district, now joins an already busy Democratic primary field aiming to fill the Senate seat that will be left vacant by longtime Senator Dick Durbin. Durbin, who has served since 1997 and holds a senior leadership role in the Senate, announced he would not seek re-election.
At 51, Krishnamoorthi has gained national attention as the lead Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. Known for his detail-oriented work and policy expertise, he focuses on matters like economic stability, healthcare, and national security.
The competition is already heating up. Representative Robin Kelly recently announced her candidacy, and Illinois’s Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton has entered the race with endorsements from Governor JB Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood is also reportedly exploring a potential bid.
Krishnamoorthi enters the Senate race with a strong financial lead, armed with a campaign fund of $19.4 million. This financial strength gives him a strong starting point in expanding his profile statewide beyond his suburban Chicago base.
Born in New Delhi in 1973, Krishnamoorthi came to the U.S. as a baby and was raised in Illinois. His father, an engineering professor, settled the family in Peoria. Overcoming early financial struggles, Krishnamoorthi graduated from Princeton with a degree in engineering and later earned his law degree from Harvard. He now lives in Schaumburg with his wife and three children, balancing a demanding political career with family life.
His road to Washington included a few failed attempts at statewide office, but he ultimately succeeded in 2016 by winning a diverse congressional seat. His latest re-election in 2022 saw him win with nearly 63% of the vote.
He has become a vocal leader on technology and foreign policy, especially regarding China. As co-chair of the AI Caucus, he champions responsible innovation while protecting U.S. interests. His legislative work includes bills on chip production, resilient supply chains, and public health.
Krishnamoorthi remains closely connected to the South Asian community but frames his campaign around broader middle-class concerns—prioritizing economic fairness, healthcare, and education as he aims to make history in 2026.
