Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has been re-elected to represent Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of Chicago’s northwest side and nearby suburbs. Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, supported Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, actively mobilizing South Asian American voters in critical swing states.
During the campaign, he partnered with the AAPI Victory Fund, attending South Asian town halls and visiting local places of worship, including a Hindu temple, to encourage voter turnout.
Key Facts About Raja Krishnamoorthi:
1. Illinois 8th District Representative: First elected in 2016, Krishnamoorthi has now been re-elected for a fifth term in Illinois’ 8th District, covering Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs.
2. Leadership in Congress: He serves as the Ranking Member of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, making him the first South Asian American to lead a Congressional Committee.
3. Committee Roles and Advocacy: Krishnamoorthi serves on the Intelligence and Oversight Committees, is Vice-Chair of the Equality Caucus, Co-Chair of CAPAC’s Immigration Task Force, and founded bipartisan caucuses on youth vaping and solar energy.
4. Advocate for Human Rights: In response to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, he called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to work with the Bangladeshi government for accountability and protection of the Hindu community.
5. Educational and Professional Background: Raised in Peoria, Illinois, he graduated from Princeton in mechanical engineering and Harvard Law School. He has held roles in public integrity, affordable housing, and venture capital.
6. Personal Life: Krishnamoorthi resides in Schaumburg, Illinois, with his wife, Priya, a physician, and their three children.
