Illinois Asian American leaders come out in support of Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s bid for the US Senate

On June 2, 2025 morning in Chicago’s Argyle neighborhood, Raja and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr celebrated the endorsement among community members. PHOTO: Krishnamoorthi’s campaign

More than a dozen leaders of the Asian American and Pacific Islander, AAPI, community from across Illinois, joined to endorse Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s bid for the US Senate, June 2, 2025. The date of the primaries is yet to be announced and Krishnamoorthi is facing off against Democratic colleagues for his party’s nomination in the run up to the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.

Upon his 2016 election, Krishnamoorthi became the first leader of Indian descent to represent Illinois in Congress. Currently, there are no Indian American members of the US Senate.

“As Chair of the Illinois Asian American Caucus, I am proud to stand with Raja today and endorse his campaign for the U.S. Senate! Throughout his career, Raja has been an outspoken champion for the AAPI community, and has dedicated much of his time in Congress to issues that are critically important to us, like immigration, education, and healthcare,” State Representative Janet Yang Rohr is quoted saying in the press release from Krishnamoorthi’s campaign.

“Congressman Raja understands the importance of representing AAPI communities throughout the state,”said State Representative Sharon Chung. “We need a Senator who has the experience to fight and win for Illinois. Raja has the track record and deep understanding of Washington D.C. that will make him a superb U.S. Senator. I’m proud to join Team Raja!”

“There’s this old saying: if you don’t have a seat at the table, then you’re on the menu,” Krishnamoorthi said. “In Congress, I’ve been fighting for nearly a decade to ensure that the AAPI community has that proverbial seat at the table, and in the U.S. Senate, I intend to keep up that fight to make our voice heard loud and clear, he added.

“When our government looks like America, it can better serve all Americans. I am immensely proud to have the support of such incredible Illinois leaders and look forward to being the champion our community needs in the U.S. Senate,” Krishnamoorthi said.

AAPI leaders who have endorsed Krishnamoorthi include:

Aurora Alderman Shweta Baid

State Representative Sharon Chung (HD-91)

Streamwood Village Trustee Nazneen Hashmi

State Representative Hoan Huynh (HD-13)

Poplar Creek Public Library Board Trustee Asad Khan

Former Mayor of Oak Brook Gopal Lalmalani

Maine Township Highschool District 207 Board Member Jin Lee

State Representative Kevin Olickal (HD-16)

Lincolnwood Mayor Jesal Patel

Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati

Oak Brook Trustee Suresh Reddy