Schaumburg Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi launches U.S. Senate bid

Published: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 12:00 am

Krishnamoorthi Joins Illinois Senate Race, Setting Stage for Competitive Primary

The Illinois U.S. Senate race is heating up! Schaumburg Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has officially announced his candidacy, making him the third Democrat to enter the fray. This comes after current Senator Dick Durbin announced he won't seek reelection in 2026, opening the door for a new face to represent the state.

Krishnamoorthi, who has served in Congress since 2016, is kicking off his campaign with stops in Peoria, Chicago, and Schaumburg. He's positioning himself as a champion for working families, vowing to fight against what he sees as the excesses of the wealthy, referencing figures like Elon Musk. He's also paying tribute to Durbin, calling him a "titan" of Illinois politics.

The primary field already includes Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who has the backing of Governor J.B. Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Representative Robin Kelly. Krishnamoorthi's campaign launch video emphasizes his personal story, highlighting his family's immigrant experience and reliance on public aid. He's also bringing a significant financial advantage to the race, with a reported $19 million war chest, according to NBC Chicago Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern.

On the Republican side, Representative Darin LaHood is being mentioned as a potential contender, hoping to break the Democratic hold on the Senate seat. Other prominent Democrats, like Representative Lauren Underwood, may also be considering a run.

BNN's Perspective: This race presents an interesting dynamic. Krishnamoorthi's focus on working families and his financial resources make him a formidable candidate. The primary will likely be a battle of ideologies, with candidates vying to represent the diverse interests of Illinois. The eventual winner will face a tough challenge in the general election, as Republicans are eager to regain a Senate seat in the state.

Keywords: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois Senate, Dick Durbin, Juliana Stratton, Robin Kelly, Darin LaHood, Lauren Underwood, U.S. Senate race, Illinois politics, Democratic primary, 2026 election, campaign, Schaumburg, Peoria, Chicago, Elon Musk, J.B. Pritzker, Tammy Duckworth, Illinois 8th district, Illinois 2nd district, campaign finance, Senate bid

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