Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is currently positioned as the frontrunner to secure the Democratic nomination for the Illinois Senate seat in the upcoming election. With early voting set to begin in just a month, Krishnamoorthi's campaign has demonstrated significant financial strength, grassroots engagement, and consistent messaging.
Krishnamoorthi, who has represented Illinois's 8th Congressional District since 2017, announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in May 2025. His campaign has reported impressive fundraising numbers, including $3.6 million raised in the fourth quarter of 2025 alone. By the end of 2025, his campaign had over $15.2 million in cash on hand. These figures solidify his financial dominance in the primary field.
Beyond financial metrics, Krishnamoorthi's campaign has emphasized his background and commitment to working families. Campaign messaging has highlighted his upbringing, his pledge to hold Donald Trump accountable, and his track record of advocating for policies aimed at benefiting working families. Krishnamoorthi has also undertaken a statewide listening tour, engaging with voters in various Illinois communities.
Adding to his momentum, Krishnamoorthi recently received a high-profile endorsement from William "Bill" Daley, former Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton and White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama. Daley's support is seen as a significant boost, adding to the expanding coalition of Illinois leaders backing Krishnamoorthi's campaign.
Prior to his current role in Congress, Krishnamoorthi served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for Illinois, helping to establish the state's anti-corruption unit. He also served as Illinois Deputy Treasurer. In Congress, he serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability. He holds the ranking member position on the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
Krishnamoorthi was born in New Delhi, India, and raised in Peoria, Illinois. He graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in mechanical engineering and public policy and later earned a J.D. with honors from Harvard Law School.
Illinois is considered a reliably Democratic state, meaning the party's nominee is generally favored to win the Senate seat in the November general election. The Democratic primary is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
