The race to replace Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin in Illinois is heating up, with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi entering a crowded Democratic primary. The Illinois congressman, who has represented parts of the northwest Chicago suburbs since 2017, declared his candidacy on Wednesday, positioning himself as a leader who stands up to Donald Trump and bullies.
This race will mark the first competitive Democratic Senate primary in Illinois since Tammy Duckworth’s victory in 2016, where she won by a large margin. However, this contest is expected to be more contentious, and it’s uncertain who will ultimately secure the Democratic nomination for the general election.
Krishnamoorthi joins a growing list of primary challengers, including his colleague Rep. Robin Kelly, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and possibly Rep. Lauren Underwood, who flipped a competitive district in 2018. This race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive primaries in the country in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms. With Democrats looking for a unified message, the primary outcome could offer a glimpse into the direction the party will take moving forward.
Krishnamoorthi, when asked about his party’s economic messaging, emphasized that Democrats should not defend the status quo. He criticized the party for not doing enough to connect with voters on economic issues, a theme he plans to address in his campaign.
While Krishnamoorthi has voted against some Democratic positions in the past, such as a GOP-led funding bill, he stopped short of committing to support Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for re-election. Krishnamoorthi said he would like to hear Schumer’s priorities before offering his endorsement.
Entering the race with $19 million in cash from recent fundraising, Krishnamoorthi has a financial edge over Kelly, who has raised $2 million. Stratton, on the other hand, has secured an endorsement from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who is not only a billionaire with significant financial resources but also holds considerable political influence as he weighs a potential presidential bid.
Durbin, who has served in the Senate since 1997, is expected to step aside soon, and while he hasn’t endorsed a candidate yet, he hasn’t ruled out doing so. Krishnamoorthi said he would be honored to have Durbin’s support but emphasized that the voters should decide the next senator.
Stratton, backed by Pritzker, argues that Illinois needs “new voices in Washington who know how to get things done and are not afraid to fight back.” Krishnamoorthi, meanwhile, believes he is best positioned to take on Trump, highlighting his votes in both impeachment proceedings and his role on the House Intelligence Committee during the investigation into Trump’s foreign ties.
Krishnamoorthi also pointed to his extensive experience in fighting for working families and his readiness to take on tough battles. Kelly, a long-time advocate for gun safety and maternal healthcare, joined the race this week, emphasizing her track record in Congress and her determination to fight back against what she views as the dangerous legislative agenda of Trump’s allies.
