U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi endorses Dilara Sayeed for State Rep
Her campaign has “national significance”
CHICAGO (December 5, 2017)— U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8) has endorsed
educator Dilara Sayeed in the race for State Representative in the 5th District. Sayeed is the only candidate
in this race to have received an endorsement from a member of the Illinois Congressional delegation.
“Dilara is the right person to advocate for policies that help individuals ‘Build a Life’,” Krishnamoorthi
said. “Dilara’s background as an educator and community activist makes her the kind of public servant
Illinois needs in the General Assembly.”
Krishnamoorthi noted the national significance of her race. “In the aftermath of last year’s presidential
election, we have seen more candidates step up from backgrounds and perspectives who have gone
underrepresented for far too long– particularly women and people of color,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Dilara
is part of that story, and her candidacy has national significance.”
Sayeed is running for the 5th District seat to be vacated by Lieutenant Governor candidate Juliana
Stratton. She is a community leader and former Chief Education Officer of the Golden Apple
Foundation. She would be the first Indian American to be elected to the General Assembly in a state that
has one of the highest South Asian populations in the country.
“I am honored to have the support of Congressman Krishnamoorthi,” Sayeed said. “He and others across
the country have shown that Americans from diverse backgrounds can win elections, and once they’ve
done so, will work hard and be an ally for every single resident of their district — regardless of race, class,
or creed.”
Sayeed’s campaign turned in the maximum of 1,500 signatures to the Board of Elections in Springfield on
Monday, November 27.
“This district has a rich heritage. I will honor that heritage and support laws that help each of us Build a
Life in safe neighborhoods, with good schools, strong local businesses, and meaningful jobs/careers,” she
said. “Throughout the petition process I spoke to voters who are eager to build bridges between the
diverse residents of the 5th District. I’ve been doing the work of public service in the background my
entire life, and now is the time to continue that work as State Rep.”