Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi running for US Senate
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) -- Illinois Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi says he will run for the U.S. Senate opening with Dick Durbin's decision to not seek reelection.
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Eighth District Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is considered one of the early front-runners with $19 million in his political war chest.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi, who represents parts of the northwest suburbs, surrounding Schaumburg, is now the latest candidate to throw his hat in the race for US Senate.
In his campaign video released Wednesday morning, ""I spent my life standing up to bullies, fighting for every day people. I'm Raja Krishnamoorthi. A first generation kid, son of Peoria Public schools, with parents who were able to use food stamps and public housing to move us into the middle class."
He was elected to Congress in 2016 and says Illinois needs a fighter who will protect seniors' Social Security, take care of veterans, defend public education, and invest in job training programs, so that everyone has the opportunity to realize the American Dream.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi brings nine years of experience in the House to this senate campaign. He also has a massive campaign coffer that puts him in a strong position to compete against a growing list of rivals and potential rivals.
"He brings a lot of money to the race. I mean, that's a very important part. I think that is one of the reasons that we believed he would be throwing his hat in, that he has been collecting money for some time," North Central political science professor Stephen Caliendo said.
This comes after Dick Durbin announced last month he's retiring from the senate and will not seek reelection in 2026.
Krishnamoorthi now joins Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Representative Robin Kelly in what's quickly becoming a hotly contested race.
SEE ALSO: Gov. JB Pritzker endorses Juliana Stratton for Senate
ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington highlighting Stratton's endorsement from the governor.
"It helps her a lot because first of all JB Pritzker has a lot of money, he's a billionaire, supporting her," ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington said. "Plus, he has a lot of clout. People want to keep the governor happy, he has a lot of influence and that will help bring her support."
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood is another possible contender to enter the race. When asked about a potential run on CNN, Underwood said, " "I don't have an announcement for you today, but I think it's a very exciting opportunity. Senator Dick Durbin has been a tremendous voice for the people in Illinois for 30 years and now the people of Illinois are going to have a real choice. It's going to be a rigorous, robust primary and I am certainly taking a look at running."
He will kick off his campaign - across three stops on Friday he vowed to "stand up and fight back" again President Donald Trump's agenda and protect Illinois families. One of those events will be In Chicago, another in Schaumburg and another in his hometown of Peoria.
RELATED: Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly running for US Senate
"With parents who were able to use food stamps and public housing to move us into the middle class. They told us whatever you do make sure this country is there for the next families who need it. Loans and scholarships put me through college and law school. Then I worked on a friend's campaign and showed that Illinois will give you a shot even if you have a funny name," Krishnamoorthi said.
Other possible contenders to enter the race include Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and on the Republican side, Representative Darin LaHood.
