SANJYOT DUNUNG, who is running for Congress from Illinois 8th District, currently held by Raja Krishnamoorthi, was endorsed by Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Rising & Empowering Political Action Committee (ASPIRE PAC), a forum backed by Asian-Americans in the Democratic party.
Krishnamoorthi, who has held Illinois 8th District seat for four terms, has decided to contest for the Illinois senate seat in 2026, after veteran senator Dick Durbin announced he would not seek re-election.
India-born Dunung announced her bid on May 14 as a Democratic party candidate and feels the American Dream is under threat.
“People are tired of career politicians who fail to deliver meaningful results. As the candidate for change, I will deliver fresh, responsible ideas to tackle economic chaos and uncertainty,” she said.
Dunung was born in India, but her family moved to the United States when she was 6 years old, and she grew up in Des Plaines.
ASPIRE chair Marilyn Strickland said, "Sanjyot is a leader who will fight for what’s right, and ASPIRE PAC is proud to endorse her campaign.”
She is committed to building a future that is more affordable, safer, and healthier for all Americans, Strickland added.
Dunung welcomed support from ASPIRE PAC’s endorsement and said, “My experiences as an Indian-born, American-made small business owner, single mom, and civic leader inform everything I do.
"Throughout my life, I have sought to advocate for policies and programs that help everyone access opportunities, live with dignity, and achieve their American dream," she said.
Sanjyot has three sons, and she serves on the Board of Directors for the National Small Business Association, Truman Center for National Policy, and was on President Biden's foreign policy working group on international trade.
ASPIRE PAC is the political arm of the Democratic Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) members of Congress.
Security personnel inspect the site in the aftermath of an attack as food stall chairs lie empty in Pahalgam, about 90 kilometres (55 miles) from Srinagar on April 23, 2025. Indian security forces in Kashmir carried out a major manhunt on April 23, a day after gunmen opened fire on tourists killing 26 people in the region's deadliest attack on civilians since 2000. Getty Images
Tourists visit Betaab Valley in Pahalgam, about 112 km south of Srinagar on June 26, 2025.Getty Images
Pilgrims gather at the Baltal Base Camp near Domel, en route to the sacred Amarnath cave in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on July 29, 2025. The annual Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, proceeds under heightened security following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local pony handler. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers across the pilgrimage route, with checkpoints, surveillance, and restrictions in place to safeguard the thousands of devotees undertaking the arduous journey. The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages, drawing worshippers from across India to the high-altitude Himalayan shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite the threat of violence and challenging terrain, pilgrims continue their spiritual trek, determined to complete the sacred journey under the shadow of grief and resilience.Getty Images
