News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know US Affairs News India Times (December 6, 2025 - December 12, 2025) December 12, 2025 5 Congressional Candidate Neil Khot Outlines Vision for Revitalizing Illinois’ 8th District I n a comprehensive and candid discussion, Illinois congressional candidate Neil Khot sat down for an exclusive interview to talk about his background, priorities, and plans for the future of the 8th District. Khot, a first-generation American and self-made entre- preneur who built a business employing more than 200 people, is running as a Democrat with a pledge to restore the American Dream through pragmatic, results-oriented leadership. Khot stressed that he is *“not a career politician,”* describing himself instead as a community-based leader shaped by hard work and lived experience. His campaign, he said, centers on expanding economic opportunity for a district that has endured the exits of major employers, including Motorola, Sears, and AT&T. Jobs as the Top Priority* When asked about his central focus, Khot did not hesitate: *“My number one priority is to bring back well-paying jobs.”* He emphasized his intention to attract new industries, spark innovation, and rebuild the region’s employment base through strategic partnerships and economic revi- talization. Standing Out in a Crowded Primary With eight Democrats currently vying for the nomi- nation, Khot believes his story and experience set him apart. He arrived in America with just $300 and eventu- ally built a thriving business—an achievement he credits to grit, opportunity, and the support of his community. He cited several defining qualities: * His perspective as a first-generation immigrant * A deep understanding of the value of opportunity * A commitment to protecting the American Dream * A record as a job creator * A determination to oppose political extremism All the candidates are good people,” Khot said, *“ but I bring the real lived experience of the immigrant story and the business acumen needed to get results.”* Engaging a Diverse Electorate Khot described a multi-pronged strategy to reach voters across IL-08, combining digital outreach on Meta platforms and X with traditional door-to-door canvass- ing. If elected, he plans to host **monthly virtual town halls** to ensure transparency and regular communica- tion. Growing List of Endorsements Khot has secured several high-profile endorsements, including: * Congressman Shri Thanedar (Michigan) * Mayor Tom Dailly (Schaumburg, IL) * Alderman David Moore (Chicago, IL) * Americans 4 Hindus * Actress Taylor Treadwell He also noted that additional endorsements from na- tional and local leaders are currently in discussion. Campaign Finance and Momentum In the interview, Khot shared that his campaign has raised **$750,000**, with **$480,000 cash on hand**, positioning him as a leading contender in the race. His support among Hindu American voters continues to fuel grassroots momentum as he prepares for the final stretch into Q4 2025. An Experienced Team Behind the Campaign Khot’s operation includes a ten-member core staff and over 25 volunteers, guided by nationally recognized strat- egists such as **Bill Hyers**, known for his work with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Tammy Duckworth. The team leads the district in field organizing, digital strategy, and fundraising. ### **Policy Vision: Healthcare, Economy, Climate, and More** Healthcare: Khot proposes major reforms centered on preventive care, expanded medical residency slots, and lowering prescription drug costs by allowing direct manufacturer purchases. Economy & Job Creation: He plans to leverage the district’s strategic advantages — including major highways, rail access, and proximity to O’Hare International Airport — to attract national and international employers. Climate & Energy: His climate platform includes investments in resilient infrastructure, support for solar, wind, and nuclear en- ergy, and an expansion of rooftop solar programs. Voting Rights: Khot supports both election integrity and accessible voting systems, including mail-in ballots, stating, *“Vot- ing is a right and a duty.”* Support for Seniors & Families: He emphasized protecting Medicare and Social Secu- rity, expanding universal pre-K, and improving support structures for caregivers. He cited admiration for Com- missioner Martin O’Malley’s work on senior issues. Commitment to Transparency If elected, Khot promises open-door district and DC offices, consistent communication, and monthly vir- tual town halls. His primary benchmark, he said, will be simple: *“The number of people we can help.”* A Personal Story That Fuels His Mission Reflecting on his journey, Khot said: “I came to America with $300 and a dream. I built a life, a family, and a business here. But today, those oppor- tunities are slipping out of reach for many young Ameri- cans. I want to restore that pathway to success.” He described his greatest strength as his open-mind- edness and eagerness to learn, while acknowledging that his passion sometimes causes him to hyper-focus on certain issues. In his first 100 days, he plans to prioritize bringing new companies and innovation hubs to the district. -Advertorial By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTO:NEIL KHOT Rep. Krishnamoorthi Gets Another Major Endorsement In Run For Senator C ongressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, secured yet another important endorsement in his run for the US Senate – Former Lieu- tenant Governor of Illinois Sheila Simon who announced her her support for the Indian American candidate in a video released December 1, 2025. “Raja is the kind of leader who listens to and fights for every Illinois community, not just the ones closest to Chicago,” said Former Lt. Governor Simon. “Raja is ready to not just represent the state of Illi- nois, but to be the kind of national leader we need right now. He is primed to step into the traditions of some amazing U.S. Senators —Dick Durbin, Barack Obama, and my favorite, my dad.” Simon served as Illinois’s 46th Lieuten- ant Governor from 2011 to 2015, where she led on key issues including educa- tion policy and securing funding for rape crisis centers. Her public service career includes four years as a Jackson County prosecutor, four years on the Carbondale City Council, and service on the Illinois Reform Commission. Today, she serves as Acting Associate Dean and Associate Pro- fessor of Law at the Southern Illinois Sim- mons School of Law. She is the daughter of former U.S. Senator Paul Simon, who represented Illinois from 1985 to 1997. Krishnamoorthi praised Simon saying she “has spent her career fighting for justice and standing up for communities too often pushed to the margins, and I am honored to have earned her endorsement in this race.” Simon’s endorsement strengthens Krishnamoorthi’s candidacy. A son of Peoria, Illinois, Krishnamoorthi is cur- rently on a “listening tour” of his state and has the Quad Cities, Rockford, Pe- tersburg, Bloomington, Springfield, East Alton, and more. At the tour’s Carbondale stop, former Lt. Governor Simon hosted Raja in her family’s home, bringing friends, students, and community mem- bers together to meet directly with him. Simon’s endorsement builds on the campaign’s downstate momentum driven by a broad coalition of local leaders and a growing list of current and former elected officials, including Congressman Phil Hare (IL-17), State Representative Sharon Chung, as well as trusted local leaders, in- cluding Mason County Democratic Chair Jay Briney, Madison County Democratic Chair Andy Asadorian & Pope County Democratic Chair Sandra Cummings. PHOTO:FACEBOOK Former Lt. Governor of Illinois Sheila Simon endorsing Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi for US Senate via a video message. By a StaffWriter