Chicago, Illinois, USA: Positioning himself as a political newcomer, Indian American entrepreneur Neil Khot says he is entering the race for Congress not as a longtime politician, but as a small business owner with deep roots in community service.
Growing expenses, fears around immigration enforcement, job insecurity, and worries over potential reductions to Social Security and Medicare are central themes in Khot’s Democratic campaign for the US House of Representatives from Illinois’ 8th Congressional District. He is seeking to hold the seat currently being vacated by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for the US Senate.
Khot said discussions with residents throughout the district consistently highlight financial strain and uncertainty. “People are concerned that insurance costs keep increasing,” he said. “Interest rates remain extremely high, and affordability has become a serious issue.”
He added that many families are struggling to meet basic needs. “Housing has become unaffordable. Everyday grocery expenses are rising,” Khot said. He also noted that business owners are uneasy due to unclear trade policies. “There is no consistent tariff strategy, so businesses are unsure how to move forward,” he said in an interview with IANS.
Immigration enforcement has also become a major concern among voters, according to Khot. He said fear has spread among immigrant communities and business owners due to reports of aggressive immigration actions. As a first-generation immigrant himself, Khot said the issue resonates deeply with him. No one should ever feel that the United States is a place where they don’t belong,” he said. “This nation opened doors for me, and it should keep offering the same opportunities to others.
Khot emphasized the need to protect senior citizens, pledging to oppose any reductions to Medicare and Social Security. He also said programs such as SNAP and access to affordable healthcare must be preserved. In one of the world’s richest countries, access to healthcare should not drive families into financial hardship,” he said
Describing himself as an alternative to traditional politicians, Khot reiterated that he is not a career officeholder but a business leader with decades of civic engagement. His campaign, he said, focuses on standing up for immigrants, supporting working families, and ensuring entrepreneurs have the conditions needed to operate and grow their businesses.
The Democratic primary election is set for March 17. Khot said his campaign, launched about eight months ago, has already qualified for the ballot. Calling it a grassroots effort, he said outreach has begun across nearly 25 villages and eight townships within the district. Plans for television advertising, mail campaigns, and expanded ground operations are expected to roll out by mid-January.
Khot pointed to the district’s diverse population as a key factor in his campaign strategy. He said the constituency includes roughly 750,000 residents, with about 60 percent white voters, approximately 24 percent Hispanic or South American residents, and between 12 and 16 percent South Asian residents, along with other minority groups. “A large portion of voters are aged 50 and above, which strongly influences the political landscape here,” he said.
His campaign aims to build broad-based support across communities, starting with white voters, followed by Hispanic and South Asian groups. Khot said financial contributions and volunteer support have come from across the US, including California, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Chicago, and other parts of the Midwest. “Representation matters,” he said, highlighting the importance of national backing for Indian American and South Asian communities.
Khot also acknowledged receiving guidance from Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s office, noting ongoing discussions about district issues and voter priorities. He praised Krishnamoorthi’s tenure and said he believes the outgoing lawmaker would be a strong voice for Illinois in the US Senate.
On international relations, Khot said the United States should reclaim its role as a positive and cooperative global leader. He called for diplomacy rooted in partnership rather than intimidation. Speaking on India-US relations, he said the bond between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy should be further strengthened.
Illinois’ 8th Congressional District has been represented by Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi since 2017 and is widely regarded as a safe Democratic seat. Krishnamoorthi is currently competing in a closely watched Democratic primary for the US Senate.
Over the past decade, Indian Americans have increased their political presence across the United States, gaining seats in Congress, state legislatures, and local governments. This trend reflects the community’s growing population, civic engagement, and influence nationwide.
