Raja Krishnamoorthi: 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate

Bio

Office sought: U.S. Senate

City: Schaumburg

Age: 52

Occupation: U.S. Congressman representing Illinois’ 8th District

Previous offices held:

Q&A

What is your top issue and how do you propose to address it?

Restoring the American Dream is my number one priority. My story is proof of the power of the American Dream — a dream that is slipping away from too many Illinoisans. It is a story of a legal immigration system that welcomed my family to this country with open arms. A story of food stamps and public housing that got my family back on our feet when we got knocked down by the recession of the 1970s. A story of the power of public education that gave me the tools to succeed. I am fighting to protect the American Dream because I have lived it.

We must address the economic insecurity that too many families are facing, and that’s why I am laser-focused on ensuring that every Illinois family can enter the middle class and put themselves on the path to success. The cost-of-living today is too darn high, which is why I have proposed a comprehensive American Dream Plan to address affordability by making it possible for everyday folks to buy a home, find affordable childcare, send their children to quality public schools, continue their post-secondary education, start a business, afford their life-saving prescription drugs, and achieve a secure and dignified retirement.

Do you support the unilateral foreign policy course President Trump has taken with such actions as the bombing of Iran, assaults on Venezuelan ships and the seizure of the Venezuelan president?

I absolutely do not support President Trump’s unconstitutional and unilateral actions abroad, including among other things, his actions in Venezuela. All of this occurred without Congressional notice or approval as required under the Constitution and the War Powers Act. At a time when families are struggling with the rising cost-of-living, Trump is dragging America into overseas military adventures he has no authority to undertake.

The Constitution is clear: Congress controls the purse-strings, and Congress has not approved the U.S. occupying or “running” Venezuela. I have introduced the No Occupation of Venezuela Act (NOVA) to prohibit the use of federal funds to further the occupation or internal administration of Venezuela. Americans don’t want another endless entanglement abroad or their tax dollars going to subsidize foreign oil production, especially while health care and food assistance are on the chopping block here at home.

The executive branch has expanded its powers in recent years on foreign policy, economic tariffs, executive orders and more. Are you satisfied with the direction these activities are moving? If so, why? If not, what needs to be done differently?

Donald Trump has pushed past the Constitution’s limits on presidential power while undercutting the rights, freedoms, and due process of everyday Americans. He has deported citizens and violated our data privacy. He has abused his power to target his political enemies and pardon his supporters. He has profited off of the presidency to the tune of $1.4 billion, according to a report by the New York Times. Chaos and uncertainty from his tariffs are devastating U.S. businesses, large and small.

This is why I have developed an Executive Branch Accountability Agenda, a comprehensive blueprint to rein in Donald Trump’s abuse of power, restore checks and balances, and ensure that no future administration can undermine American democracy again. This 17-point plan builds on my work in Congress to address the lack of ICE oversight, the abuse of personal data by DOGE, the politically-motivated push for mid-decade redistricting, and abuse of the Presidents’ pardon power. I will pursue these initiatives vigorously in the Senate.

What should U.S. border policy be? If elected, what would you do to make it happen?

America’s attraction for legal immigrants is our greatest natural advantage. They fuel our economy, drive innovation, and help keep the U.S. competitive on the global stage. That’s why I’ve fought to fix our broken legal immigration system — because building the jobs and industries of tomorrow requires both investing in our domestic workforce and welcoming top talent from around the world.

We must have a secure border while also having a real pathway to citizenship that allows people to come here, work, and support their families. Fixing our broken immigration system will not come out of chaos or cruelty. Donald Trump has weaponized DHS, ICE & CBP in ways that terrorize communities and tear families apart. That approach is morally indefensible and incompatible with the rule of law. Our legal immigration system has been broken for far too long. I am fighting for solutions, which will only be accomplished through bipartisan cooperation and a commitment to putting progress ahead of politics.

What should be the government’s role in assuring health care for Americans? What should be done regarding the ACA to better perform this function?

I believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Yet, today, millions of hardworking families who did nothing wrong are being priced out of lifesaving care. The Medicaid cuts in the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, along with the expiring ACA tax credits, have left millions of Americans in the lurch.

During this campaign, I have toured safety-net facilities across Illinois where I’ve heard first-hand from hospital staff how Trump’s cruel cuts will force bed closures, staff reductions, and longer waits for families seeking care. It’s unacceptable — and entirely unnecessary. As Senator, I’ll build on the work I’ve led in Congress to reverse Republican cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, reform Medicare prescription drug negotiations to bring down prices, and crack down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that drive up drug costs. These are concrete steps that will make health care more accessible and affordable.

What is your vision for a solution to conflicts involving Israel and the Palestinians? What should the United States be doing to advance this position?

I remain committed to pursuing a two-state solution through which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace with dignity and security. I believe that a two-state solution is not only possible, but necessary to stop the endless hostilities in the Middle East. The U.S. must do everything it can to ensure safety and stability in the region.

I have long supported our historic friendship with Israel, our long-time ally and the only democracy in the Middle East. I also supported Israel’s right to self-defense after the horrific October 7th attack. At the same time, I have repeatedly criticized the Netanyahu government's disproportionate response in Gaza and pushed the Trump administration to surge humanitarian aid — including food, water, and medical supplies — to support innocent civilians in Gaza.

During the current and fragile ceasefire, the U.S. must help to negotiate a permanent end to hostilities, including settler violence in the West Bank, and the rebuilding of Gaza — all of which is necessary to secure a viable two-state solution.