Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian-origin US Congressman, has won the Democratic primary from Illinois with a decisive mandate. Being very popular in the eighth Congressional District of Illinois, he defeated his opponent Junaid Ahmed with over 71 per cent of the votes, news agency PTI reported.
He has represented Illinois's 8th congressional district in the US Congress, since 2017.
"I am honored that the Democratic primary voters in Illinois' eighth Congressional District voted in an overwhelming and decisive fashion in support of my re-election campaign for Congress," Krishnamoorthi was quoted by PTI in its report.
He also said, "My constituents want peace, progress and prosperity. In Congress, I have for the middle class, for women's reproductive rights, and against inflation and increasing gas prices. I will continue to work tirelessly to address these issues in the important months ahead"
In the general elections on November 8, this New Delhi-born, three-term congressman will compete against Republican Chris Dargis.
"We now turn our attention to November, where our fundamental freedoms and human rights are on the ballot," Krishnamoorthi said.
Born in New Delhi into a Tamil-speaking family, his family moved to Buffalo, New York, when he was three months old.
Raja Krishnamoorthi was chosen to succeed Tammy Duckworth, who vacated the position to run for the United States Senate. Krishnamoorthi is a Democrat who serves on the House Oversight Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He is an assistant whip and chairs the oversight committee's committee on consumer and economic policy.
He received the Distinguished Leadership Award, last month, in honor of his outstanding career and commitment to public service.
(With inputs from PTI)