Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Senator Ram Villivalam, and State Representative Theresa Mah Celebrate Momentous Victories from AAPI Candidates

Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Senator Ram Villivalam, and State Representative Theresa Mah Celebrate Momentous Victories from AAPI Candidates for U.S. Congress, the IL General Assembly, and Cook County Government 

Several Strong AAPI Candidates Won Contested Races in Tuesday Night’s Primary, Many Were Underdogs  

Schaumburg, Illinois- Following the Illinois primary election results, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Illinois Senator Ram Villivalam, and Illinois Representative Theresa Mah issued the following joint statement: 

“Tuesday, June 28th, was a historic night for the hundreds of thousands of individuals who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) in the great state of Illinois,” they said. “Several immensely qualified AAPI candidates won in contested elections for U.S. Congress, the Illinois State Senate, the Illinois General Assembly, and other key local positions in Cook County Government and across the state. While the Illinois Republican Party continues to elect candidates who promote the sanctity of ‘white life,’ Illinois Democrats continue to promote inclusivity, unity, and prosperity for all.” 

“But make no mistake: racial, cultural, and religious minorities are not elected to public office by accident,” they added. “These candidates and their supporters have worked tirelessly to earn a proverbial seat at the table. We look forward to continuing our support of these candidates to ensure they are victorious in November.” 

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi won his primary election decisively on Tuesday night, receiving 71% of the vote. Congressman Raja is one of only four Indian-Americans in the U.S. Congress, and is the first ever South Asian to serve as Chair of a Committee or Subcommittee in Congress.

State Senator Ram Villivalam also won his reelection. He is the first Asian American elected to the Illinois Senate. 

State Representative Theresa Mah also won her re-election for Illinois District 24. She is the first Asian American to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. 

Additional key primary victories for U.S. Congress, the IL General Assembly include, and Cook County Government include:

• U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
• State Representative Gong-Gershowitz, IL-17 (incumbent) 
• State Representative Janet Yang Rohr, IL-41 (incumbent) 
• Hoan Huynh, IL-13
• Kevin Olickal, IL-16
• Azam Nizamuddin, IL-48  
• Nabeela Syed, IL-51
• Sharon Chung, IL-91
• Josina Morita, Cook County Commissioner 
• Judge Rena Mare Van Tine, Circuit Court of Cook County 
• Judge Sanjay Tailor, Circuit Court of Cook County