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.
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