Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi has officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate, announcing his bid on Wednesday. If successful, he would become only the second Indian American ever elected to the Senate, joining Vice President Kamala Harris in the history books.
“I’ve made it my mission to fight for families like the ones I grew up with—people who just want a chance to work hard and realize their dreams,” Krishnamoorthi said in a video released as part of his campaign announcement. His campaign will formally begin with a series of public events scheduled to take place across Illinois starting Friday.
Krishnamoorthi currently serves as a U.S. Representative for Illinois and is looking to fill the Senate seat being vacated by long-serving Democrat Senator Dick Durbin. Durbin’s seat, located in a deeply Democratic-leaning state, presents a favorable opportunity for Krishnamoorthi to continue his political ascent on a broader platform.
The Congressman’s journey began in New Delhi, India, where he was born before relocating to the United States with his family at the age of three. His early experiences as an immigrant in America have played a pivotal role in shaping his political identity. After earning a law degree, Krishnamoorthi made his first significant political mark by working as Policy Director for Barack Obama’s successful Senate campaign. His involvement in Obama’s rise provided him with critical experience in national politics and helped position him for his own eventual run for office.
Krishnamoorthi was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016. He gained national attention not only for his legislative work but also for his role in creating a cultural and political identity for Indian Americans in Congress. That same year, he coined the term “Samosa Caucus” to refer to the then-small group of Indian American lawmakers in Congress. At the time, the group included Reps. Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal, all of whom shared a similar heritage and political outlook.
Since its informal founding, the Samosa Caucus has grown to include newer members like Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam. It represents not just a symbolic coalition of Indian American legislators but also a growing political force advocating for issues related to immigrant communities, economic equality, and global diplomacy, particularly between the U.S. and India.
If Krishnamoorthi wins the Senate seat, he will follow in the footsteps of Kamala Harris, who became the first Indian American elected to the U.S. Senate when she won her seat in California in 2016. That year was a landmark moment for Indian American representation in politics. Alongside Harris, Krishnamoorthi, Khanna, and Jayapal were elected to the House, solidifying a significant moment for the Indian American community in U.S. governance. Harris briefly participated in the Samosa Caucus before she stepped down from the Senate to run for Vice President on Joe Biden’s ticket.
The historical resonance of Krishnamoorthi’s candidacy is expected to be a key component of his campaign narrative. His life story—from a young immigrant arriving in the United States to a rising figure in national politics—reflects the broader American dream. He is likely to emphasize his legislative accomplishments, advocacy for working families, and dedication to expanding economic opportunities for all Americans.
Over the years, Krishnamoorthi has built a reputation as a pragmatic and effective legislator. He has supported legislation focusing on workforce development, national security, and public health, while also pushing for stronger oversight and transparency in government. His work has made him a recognizable figure not just within Illinois but on the national stage as well.
In his campaign video, Krishnamoorthi highlighted the values that have driven his public service. “I’ve made it my mission to fight for families like the ones I grew up with—people who just want a chance to work hard and realize their dreams,” he said, underscoring a message that is likely to resonate with working-class voters, immigrants, and minority communities throughout Illinois and beyond.
Krishnamoorthi’s campaign is also expected to reflect his long-standing commitment to issues like education, job creation, and economic fairness. His personal background and professional experience offer him a unique vantage point from which to address complex policy challenges and advocate for inclusive growth.
As he embarks on his Senate campaign, Krishnamoorthi is expected to draw on his deep ties to the Illinois electorate, his fundraising network, and the support of the growing South Asian American political community. His candidacy not only marks a pivotal moment in his own career but also adds to the increasing visibility of Indian Americans in American politics.
His supporters view his Senate bid as a natural next step for a politician who has spent years building a solid legislative track record and a strong presence in both local and national political circles. With Senator Durbin stepping down, Krishnamoorthi’s move has been seen as both strategic and timely.
The race for the Illinois Senate seat is likely to draw considerable attention, particularly given Krishnamoorthi’s potential to break another barrier for Indian Americans in the U.S. government. As one of the most prominent South Asian voices in Congress, his campaign will serve as a litmus test for the evolving role of minority communities in American politics.
In addition to promoting his legislative accomplishments, Krishnamoorthi is expected to emphasize his background as an immigrant and his understanding of the American middle class’s struggles. His campaign will likely focus on building a more equitable economy and securing opportunities for future generations, all while maintaining his consistent support for democratic values and civil liberties.
His announcement video and upcoming campaign events across Illinois mark the beginning of what could be a significant chapter in U.S. political history. If elected, Raja Krishnamoorthi would not only continue his own political journey but also help further diversify the upper chamber of Congress.
As he takes the first steps in his Senate bid, Krishnamoorthi’s story is poised to inspire a wide range of voters who see in him a reflection of their own aspirations and challenges. His campaign will likely underscore how a child who arrived in America from New Delhi at age three can rise to help shape the nation’s future from one of its highest legislative offices.
Gadkar-Wilcox, an Indian American won in the Democratic Party Primaries for the 22nd District Connecticut State Senate seat, in a four-way primary held on August 13th, 2024. She is pitted against Republican Chris Carrena of Trumbull for the senate seat on the general election ballot in November. CT 22nd District consists of the town of 
professor says. “We put a lot of hard work in, grassroots politics and engagement at the doors with other community members in Trumbull and Monroe coming out. I’m honored to represent us all.” Gadkar-Wilcox hopes her message will continue to resonate with voters. “We need to trust the people that we send up to Hartford, and that I will advocate for the things that I said I’ll advocate for,” she said.