Raja Krishnamurthy re-elected to the US House of Representatives: key facts about the Indian American who supported Kamala Harris

Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi successfully won re-election to represent Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of Chicago’s northwest side and several suburban areas.

First elected in 2016, Krishnamurthy’s victory ensures he will continue to serve a constituency known for its diverse and engaged electorate.

A Harvard-educated lawyer, Raja Krishnamurthy has held government positions, including former deputy state treasurer. The district includes a small portion of northwest Chicago, as well as several western and northwest suburbs.

Raja Krishnamurti: Strong support for Kamala Harris in swing states

Throughout the 2024 presidential election, Krishnamurthy has openly supported Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, especially in swing states where the Indian-American community plays a crucial role.

As part of his efforts, Krishnamurthy worked actively with the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Victory Fund to reach South Asian voters, especially in battleground states.

Krishnamurti visited several places of worship, including a Hindu temple, and participated in a South Asian American town hall with Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, a Senate candidate from Michigan.

Leadership of Raja Krishnamurti in the Congress

As the first South Asian American to chair a congressional committee, Krishnamurthy served as a ranking member of the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, making him an influential voice on global issues of national security and foreign policy.

In addition to his committee work, Krishnamurthy serves on the Intelligence and Oversight committees, making him a central figure in the legislative movement for government accountability and transparency.

He is also Vice-Chair of the Equality Council and Co-Chair of CAPAC’s Immigration Task Force.

Through these functions, Krishnamurti advocates for progressive policies on issues such as civil rights, immigration, and economic opportunity.

Raja Krishnamurti: Champion of South Asian Americans

Krishnamurthy’s re-election comes at a time when he is also focused on international human rights issues. In August, he called for stronger US intervention to combat rising violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.

He called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to engage directly with the Bangladeshi government to ensure justice and security for the targeted Hindu community, demonstrating its commitment to human rights both at home and abroad.

Raja Krishnamurti: biography and personal life

Krishnamurti was born to immigrant parents and raised in Peoria, Illinois. Krishnamurti’s personal story resonates with many of his constituents. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in mechanical engineering and then received a law degree from Harvard Law School.

In addition to serving in Congress, Krishnamurthy has held positions with the Illinois Office of Public Integrity, the state’s affordable housing program, and as a venture capital consultant.

Krishnamurti resides in Schaumburg, Illinois, with his wife Priya, a physician, and three children. His dedication to public service is matched by his commitment to family and community.