Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi won re-election to a United States House seat representing Illinois on Tuesday. Krishnamoorthi, first elected to Congress in 2016, to represent Illinois' 8th District won with 56% of the vote, compared with 44% for Republican Mark Rice, according to the Associated Press.
“While the battles for control of the White House and Congress remain close, I am honoured that the people of Illinois’ 8th District have extended my contract to represent them in Congress,” said Krishnamoorthi in a report by PTI.
He further added, “My parents came to this country with little more than a dream for their family’s future and the faith that they could achieve it here in America. Despite some hard times, we did. My mission in Congress is to fight for all the other families that are pursuing their dreams, no matter where they come from, how they worship, or the number of letters in their names... there are 29 in mine.”
A Harvard University-educated lawyer, he has held posts for the state, including former deputy state treasurer. In the presidential campaign, the Indian-American Congressman actively supported Democrat nominee Kamala Harris in critical swing states where the Indian American community could play a significant role. Krishnamoorthi advocated for the Harris-Walz ticket and encouraged South Asian voter turnout.
In August, concerned by the recent rise in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Krishnamoorthi urged Secretary of State Tony Blinken to engage directly with the interim Bangladeshi government to end these attacks. Krishnamoorthi called for measures to hold those responsible accountable and ensure the safety and justice of the targeted Hindu community.
According to The Times Of India, in Congress, he is also a co-founder of the Congressional Solar Caucus and vice-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus. Krishnamoorthi served as a Policy Director for President Barack Obama and as a Special Assistant Attorney General in Illinois.