By Keerthi Ramesh
Junaid Ahmed, a tech entrepreneur and longstanding community organizer, has emerged as a leading progressive contender in the crowded Democratic primary for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, a seat opening up as incumbent Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi mounts a U.S. Senate bid.
Ahmed’s campaign, bolstered by herculean grassroots fundraising and a slate of high-profile progressive endorsements, reflects his message that Washington needs leaders rooted in everyday struggles rather than special interests.
Born in India and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Ahmed grew up in a working-class immigrant family and worked his way through community college before transferring to DePaul University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He later completed an MBA at the University of Chicago while working full time.
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After years in software development, including work tied to national security contracts, Ahmed founded a technology firm that now employs more than 20 people in Illinois. He also helped launch Chi-Care, a nonprofit that has delivered more than one million meals and essential supplies to residents experiencing homelessness across the Chicago area.
At the core of Ahmed’s platform is a commitment to expanding economic opportunity and reinvigorating social programs that his campaign argues have been eroded by national politics. He has pledged to champion Medicare for All, affordable health care, living wages, and an overhaul of the campaign finance system to reduce the influence of corporate money.
“Our communities deserve real leadership that fights for families, not billionaires,” Ahmed said as his third-quarter fundraising total neared $500,000 — impressive for a campaign that refuses corporate PAC contributions.
Progressive allies have taken note. Ahmed has secured endorsements from organizations including the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC and Justice Democrats, along with backing from prominent lawmakers such as Rep. Ro Khanna of California.
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Supporters say Ahmed’s campaign is tapping into a broader desire among district voters for change. “This movement is powered by people, not checks from corporate lobbyists,” said ‘Our Revolution a group endorsing Ahmed.
The 8th District, which spans parts of Cook, DuPage and Kane counties, has long been a Democratic stronghold, and winning the party’s nomination in March is widely seen as tantamount to victory in November.
Ahmed and a field of challengers, including former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, are vying to position themselves as the candidate best suited to carry progressive values forward in Congress.
As the primary approaches, Ahmed’s focus remains on grassroots engagement, with campaign events and volunteer outreach aimed at energizing voters around his vision of economic justice, environmental responsibility and a more inclusive politics.