Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi loses US Senate bid from Illinois

Krishnamoorthi was about 6 points (39.3%-33.6%) behind Juliana Stratton, who had the backing of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:20am

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Two hours into the election night vote count, it became apparent that the leading Indian American Congressman in the House of Representatives, Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, had lost his bid for the US Senate in the March 17 Democratic primaries in Illinois. With 67 percent of the vote counted, Krishnamoorthi was trailing behind Juliana Stratton, who had the backing of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Why it matters

The loss means one less voice for the Indian American community in the halls of Congress – a bipartisan voice with a record of legislation and committee appointments that were achievements in and of themselves. Krishnamoorthi was seen as a rising star in the Democratic party and his defeat is a setback for Indian American political representation.

The details

Krishnamoorthi, a 52-year-old lawmaker, was described by the New York Times as an 'ambitious political operator' as well as 'a fundraising juggernaut.' If elected, he would have been the 2nd Indian American Senator after former Vice President Kamala Harris. Krishnamoorthi ran an aggressive campaign that criss crossed the state and secured impressive endorsements, but faced a formidable opponent in Juliana Stratton who had the backing of party heavyweights.

  • On March 17, 2026, the Democratic primaries in Illinois were held.
  • Two hours into the election night vote count (10 pm Eastern Time), it became apparent that Krishnamoorthi had lost his Senate bid.

The players

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A leading Indian American Congressman in the House of Representatives, representing Illinois' 8th District since 2016.

Juliana Stratton

The Democratic candidate who defeated Krishnamoorthi in the Illinois Senate primary, with the backing of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

J.B. Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who backed Juliana Stratton in the Senate primary.

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What they’re saying

“I called Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and congratulated her on winning this primary. I trust that she will continue the lasting legacy that Senator Durbin leaves behind.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman

“Only in America can an immigrant with twenty-nine letters in his name go from public housing and food stamps to the halls of Congress. I will continue to fight for our country, the greatest on Earth, to make the United States of America the kind of country we all still believe in.”

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman

The takeaway

Krishnamoorthi's defeat is a setback for Indian American political representation, as he was seen as a rising star in the Democratic party. However, his story of going from public housing and food stamps to the halls of Congress remains an inspiration for immigrants and underrepresented communities.