CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Indian-origin US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has won the Democratic primary from Illinois with a decisive mandate, successfully overcoming a highly communal campaign run by his opponent Junaid Ahmed.

Krishnamoorthi, 48, who is popular in the eighth Congressional District of Illinois, defeated Ahmed by polling over 71 per cent of the votes. “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 said.

“My constituents want peace, progress and prosperity. In Congress, I am 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,” he said. He has been serving as the US representative for Illinois’ 8th congressional district since 2017.

Krishnamoorthi’s parents are from Tamil Nadu. The three-term Congressman, who was born in New Delhi, will face Republican Chris Dargis in the November 8 general election. “We now turn our attention to November, where our fundamental freedom and human rights are on the ballot,” Krishnamoorthi added. Last month, he was honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding career and dedication to public service.