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Neil Khot brings business-first agenda to Illinois congressional race
The Democrat is running to fill the seat that would be vacated by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is mounting a campaign for the U.S. Senate.
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 13, Dec 2025
- 16:51 EST
- 21
Neil Khot / X (Neil Khot)
Neil Khot, a first-generation American entrepreneur and Democratic candidate in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, anchored his congressional campaign on a business-first platform, emphasizing economic growth, innovation, and support for small businesses.
“My American Dream began with just $300 in my wallet,” Khot said. “I know what it means to build something from nothing, and that is the energy the 8th District needs now.”
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He expressed his intention to bring “a practical, business-savvy mindset to D.C.” and to “aggressively attract a new generation of world-class companies.”
The American Dream isn't just a phrase - it's the story of my life.
— Neil for Congress (@NeilForCongress) December 3, 2025
I arrived in this country with only $300 in my wallet. Through hard work and grit, I built a successful business right here in the 8th District. My journey has given me the real-world experience needed to fight… pic.twitter.com/TidHsTMcda
After settling in Illinois, Khot went on to build what he has described as socially responsible businesses, creating hundreds of jobs across the state. His campaign said that background has informed his approach to economic policy in a district that has lost major employers, including Sears, Ameritech, and Motorola.
Khot also focused on rising household costs, particularly food prices. “The cost of groceries is crushing working families — an unacceptable reality in the world’s richest nation,” he said, adding that he would push for lower consumer costs and trade policies that protect both American industry and family budgets.
Social Security and Medicare are not government handouts; they are promises earned through a lifetime of work. My commitment is simple: I will fight every day to protect and strengthen these programs.#NeilforCongress #IL08 #EarnedBenefis #ProtectSeniors pic.twitter.com/wAg3zQbauk
— Neil for Congress (@NeilForCongress) December 2, 2025
On entitlement programs, Khot emphasized a firm stance on Social Security and Medicare. “Social Security and Medicare are not government handouts; they are promises earned through a lifetime of work,” he said. “My commitment is simple: I will fight every day to protect and strengthen these programs.”
The contest for the 8th District seat has drawn heightened attention following Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi’s decision not to seek re-election as he ran for the U.S. Senate, leaving the Democratic-leaning district without an incumbent.
The district, which includes western Chicago suburbs such as Schaumburg, Elgin and Des Plaines, is widely viewed as safely Democratic, making the primary race decisive.
Khot is among several Democrats vying for the nomination in a crowded field that includes former U.S. Representative Melissa Bean, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, Hanover Park trustee Yasmeen Bankole, and other candidates from business, legal and civic backgrounds.
Campaign finance filings showed Khot had raised more than $750,000, placing him among the better-funded candidates in the race as the primary approached.
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