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Rep. Krishnamoorthi releases first TV ad for senate bid
The ad includes a visual of President Donald Trump, whom Krishnamoorthi describes as “the biggest bully of them all.”
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 15, Jul 2025
- 12:57 EDT
- 13
Raja Krishnamoorthi / Screengrab from the ad
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on July 14 released his campaign's first statewide television advertisement for the United States Senate.
Titled ‘Bullies’, the 30-second ad features Krishnamoorthi speaking directly to voters, drawing on his personal background to frame his political message. It will run across broadcast and streaming platforms in all regions of the state, from Chicago to downstate communities.
Also Read: New poll shows Raja Krishnamoorthi leading Illinois senate contest
“Growing up with a name and a background like mine, I always felt like an underdog… and I still do. When I see other underdogs hurt by a rigged system, I fight back,” he says in the ad. “And as your Senator, I’ll take on the biggest bully of them all. Because underdogs? We just fight harder.”
The ad includes a visual of President Donald Trump, whom Krishnamoorthi describes as “the biggest bully of them all.” The congressman has previously opposed Trump’s trade tariffs and health care policies, including proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. The ad concludes with Krishnamoorthi stating, “Bullies like Trump can call us names, but you can just call me Raja.”
The launch of “Bullies” comes amid a competitive Democratic primary to succeed retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Krishnamoorthi is facing opponents including Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. Despite the crowded field, Krishnamoorthi has gained early momentum.
A June poll conducted by GBAO showed him leading the race with 32 percent, compared to 19 percent for Stratton and 14 percent for Kelly. His campaign has reported raising more than $21 million—more than the rest of the Democratic field combined—and claims support from 20 suburban and downstate mayors, signaling appeal beyond the Chicago metro area.
The ad release also follows endorsements from groups such as the Indian American Impact Fund, which cited Krishnamoorthi’s legislative focus on accountability.
With the Illinois primary set for March 17, 2026, the campaign’s early media strategy appears aimed at solidifying Krishnamoorthi’s frontrunner status while expanding his appeal among working-class voters across the state. His campaign has emphasized economic fairness, health care protections, and opposition to corporate consolidation as core themes.
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