Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi is vying to become only the second Indian American elected to the U.S. Senate in Tuesday's Democratic primary in Illinois. The five-term congressman, who regularly references his 29-letter name in stump speeches, faces two Black women candidates in a race that has become a test of identity politics in the deep-blue state.

Krishnamoorthi's campaign comes amid unprecedented growth for Indian American political influence, with six serving in Congress and high-profile roles in the Trump administration. His donor network has raised millions, while Indian American Impact has spent over $1 million supporting his bid. The winner will likely succeed retiring Senator Richard Durbin in the solidly Democratic state.

Yet the race has sparked tension, with Black political leaders concerned about splitting the Black vote and missing a rare chance for Senate representation. Krishnamoorthi, born in India and raised in Peoria, has faced racist attacks and uses his family's immigrant story to counter Trump's deportation agenda. A Senate victory would mark a milestone for South Asian political power at a time of rising online threats against the community.