Billboard Outside, Barbs Inside: Raja Faces Down Attacks Of Rivals At Debate

India-West News Desk

CHICAGO, IL – Raja Krishnamoorthi entered the Chicago Democratic Senate debate as the clear frontrunner and quickly became the central target, attacked both outside the venue and on stage as rivals sought to chip away at his commanding lead in polls and fundraising.

Even before the candidates took spots on stage on January 26 at the International House at the University of Chicago, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s campaign parked a billboard outside the building criticizing Krishnamoorthi. Inside the debate hall, Stratton repeatedly went on the offensive, underscoring Krishnamoorthi’s status as the candidate to beat.

Public polling has consistently shown the Illinois congressman leading the field, buoyed by heavy television advertising and a massive financial advantage.

Krishnamoorthi began the year with more than $15 million in cash on hand and raised close to $3.6 million in the final quarter of last year. Neither Stratton nor Rep. Robin Kelly has yet disclosed fourth quarter fundraising totals, though both have trailed Krishnamoorthi significantly in previous filings.

Stratton, who has the endorsement of her boss Gov. Pritzker, trained much of her fire on Krishnamoorthi’s legislative record. During a discussion on term limits, she accused him of being ineffective in Congress, saying he had only passed four bills, all related to naming post offices.

Krishnamoorthi forcefully pushed back, calling the charge misleading. The Hill, in its coverage said, while he has sponsored four bills that became law, he has had nearly 80 bills he sponsored or co sponsored signed into law. Krishnamoorthi asserted, “I passed laws that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Trump loomed large over the debate, with all three candidates aiming criticism at the president. In his closing remarks, Krishnamoorthi framed his campaign as a fight to “preserve, protect, and defend the American Dream” from Donald Trump.

The candidates were also notably cool to the idea of backing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer after 2026. Stratton flatly rejected supporting him again, while Krishnamoorthi left the door open.