May 7, 2025 - Politics & Policy

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

Andrew Solender

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, wearing a dark blue suit and holding a backpack while walking down the U.S. Capitol steps. — Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi walks down the House steps on March 27, 2025. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) on Wednesday officially launched his campaign to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

Why it matters: The top Democrat on the China Committee is the latest in a series of House members fleeing the lower chamber for higher office — and one of several who may run for Durbin's seat.

He is the second committee ranking member to launch a bid for Senate, after Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee.
Krishnamoorthi enters the race with a hulking cash advantage: He raised $3 million in the first three months of 2025 and has $19 million in cash on hand.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) are already in the race, with Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) and also considering a bid.

What they're saying: Krishnamoorthi's announcement video starts off by focusing on his opposition to the Trump administration, saying he spent his "life standing up to bullies."

The 51-year-old, 5-term congressman cited abortion, gun control and opposition to DOGE and tariffs as key issues of his campaign.
He also leaned heavily into his ties to former President Obama — who he worked for as a campaign operative — who he said "showed that Illinois will give you a shot even when you have a funny name."

What to watch: Stratton has racked up a handful of high-profile endorsements, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) both backing her.

But the limited polling of the race so far has had Krishnamoorthi and Underwood as the frontrunners, with Stratton in third and Kelly trailing.

Add Axios on Google

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

What to read next