Daijiworld Media Network – Washington DC

Washington, May 7: Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has officially announced his candidacy for the US Senate, setting his sights on a historic milestone becoming only the second Indian-origin American to be elected to the prestigious chamber.

In a video message released on Wednesday, the Illinois Democrat said, “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 realise their dreams.” He is expected to kick off his campaign on Friday with a series of events across Illinois.

Krishnamoorthi, who currently represents Illinois in the US House of Representatives, is vying for the Senate seat being vacated by veteran Senator Dick Durbin. Illinois, a traditionally Democratic stronghold, offers Krishnamoorthi a favourable battleground to advance his Senate bid.

Born in New Delhi, Krishnamoorthi immigrated to the United States at the age of three. A lawyer by training, he served as Policy director during Barack Obama’s Senate campaign before being elected to the House in 2016. Since then, he has played a prominent role in Congress and is known for coining the term ‘Samosa Caucus’ a reference to the growing number of Indian-American lawmakers in Congress.

If elected, Krishnamoorthi will join the ranks of Kamala Harris, who in 2016 became the first Indian-American elected to the US Senate before rising to the role of vice president.

With his candidacy, Krishnamoorthi is expected to bring both policy experience and grassroots appeal to the race, as he aims to elevate Indian-American representation in one of the most powerful legislative bodies in the world.