- Thursday, May 22, 2025
“Mayors for Raja”, a coalition of nearly two dozen mayors across Illinois, has come together to endorse Raja Krishnamoorthi for his senate bid next year
By: India Weekly
DEMOCRATIC congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s campaign for the US senate got a boost after a group of current and former mayors across Illinois endorsed him.
Krishnamoorthi is in the race for the Illinois senate seat in 2026, after veteran senator Dick Durbin announced he would not seek re-election.
The coalition of nearly two dozen mayors, “Mayors for Raja”, include those representing Chicago’s northern suburbs to downstate.
They include two Indian Americans – Sangeetha Rayapati of Moline, Illinois, and Jesal Patel of Lincolnwood; and a former mayor Gopal Lalmalani of Oak Brook.
Municipal leaders from Krishnamoorthi’s home base of Schaumburg (mayor Tom Dailly), as well as West Peoria (mayor Jimmy Dillon), where he grew up, have also pledged support for him.
Krishnamoorthi said he feels ‘honored’ to have the support of “long and growing list of mayors from across Illinois”.
“Local leaders know their communities better than anyone, and I have been proud to fight on behalf of these mayors and their communities throughout my time in Congress,” he said in a statement.
Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati described Krishnamoorthi as a “candidate for all of Illinois”.
“With roots downstate and a clear track record of delivering for Illinois, he’s the kind of fighter that Moline needs. While others talk about fighting for Illinois, Raja’s actions speak for themselves,” she added.
She felt that, having lived the American dream, Krishnamoorthi understands the importance of protecting it.
Mayor Jesal Patel said Krishnamoorthi is the Senator that Illinois needs right now.
“An unflinching advocate for working people, families, small business owners, and seniors, I know that Raja will do whatever it takes to stand up for our communities in the Senate,” he added.
He pointed out that Krishnamoorthi has been in the forefront in the fight for addressing most pressing problems of Illinois.
“Affordable housing, public safety, education, and more — there is no one I’d rather have fighting for Illinois than Raja,” he added.
Krishnamoorthi launched his campaign for the US Senate on May 9 with a strong pitch that his goal was to “stand up” to president Trump, in his fight for families across Illinois.
He started his campaign outside his childhood home in Peoria, and was joined by his wife Priya, his parents, former classmates, and old friends.
In an emotional speech, he said, “This is the community that shaped who I am today. It taught me the values of respect and helping each other. I would not be who I am but for Peoria.”
The first endorsement for Krishnamoorthi came from the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881, which represents around 34,000 workers.
