Schaumburg, IL: Raja Krishnamoorthi continues to surge ahead in the Illinois Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, bolstered by commanding new polling and the endorsement of former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Obama White House Chief of Staff William “Bill” Daley.
A new poll released today by WGN News Chicago in partnership with Emerson College shows Krishnamoorthi standing far ahead of his opponents statewide. WGN summarized the results plainly: “Krishnamoorthi leads big in Senate Dem primary.” According to the report, Raja has built a “commanding lead,” driven in part by his overwhelming financial advantage, which has allowed him to dominate the broadcast airwaves and communicate directly with voters across Illinois.
The WGN analysis also highlights growing challenges for Raja’s opponents. While Congresswoman Robin Kelly—first elected in 2013—has outraised Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton so far in the race, Stratton has struggled to consolidate key Democratic constituencies despite appearing on the statewide ballot twice in the last decade. WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley noted that Krishnamoorthi is leading among Black voters, even as Stratton faces difficulties connecting with minority communities. Emerson College Pollster Spencer Kimball added that Stratton’s struggles span nearly every core Democratic demographic, raising questions about her campaign’s direction.
This polling momentum comes as Krishnamoorthi earns the backing of one of Illinois’ most respected public servants. Today in Schaumburg, Bill Daley announced his endorsement, adding a powerful voice to the growing coalition of leaders supporting Raja’s campaign.
“Raja Krishnamoorthi has the experience and integrity to be the champion that Illinois needs in the U.S. Senate,” said Daley. “He is focused on delivering real results for families across our state—not empty promises or partisan games. At a time when chaos and dysfunction in Washington too often shortchange working people, Raja has proven he can cut through the noise and fight for what matters. I am proud to endorse him.”
Daley brings decades of leadership at the highest levels of government, having served as Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2000 and as White House Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2012. A lifelong Chicagoan, Daley is the son of former Mayor Richard J. Daley and the brother of former Mayor Richard M. Daley.
“Secretary Bill Daley has devoted his life to public service and delivering real results for working families,” said Krishnamoorthi. “His leadership in the Cabinet, the Obama White House, and the private sector reflects a deep commitment to making government work for people. I am truly honored to earn his support.”
Daley’s endorsement builds on growing statewide momentum fueled by a broad coalition of leaders, including Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, former Congressman Phil Hare (IL-17), former Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), and numerous trusted Chicago leaders.
“For eight months, Raja has outworked the competition—crisscrossing Illinois, meeting voters face-to-face, holding Donald Trump accountable, and earning the trust of leaders who know what it takes to deliver,” said Raja for Illinois spokesperson Hannah Goss. “That’s why he’s on track to win this primary on March 17.”
As the campaign enters the new year, one message is increasingly clear: Raja Krishnamoorthi is the frontrunner in the race for U.S. Senate.
