Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, is under fire on social media following his Senate campaign’s election night watch party, where attendees faced unexpectedly high charges for drinks, including water, despite his platform’s focus on affordability.
The five-term congressman experienced a narrow defeat to Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton in a fiercely contested Democratic primary on Tuesday night. Supporters gathering at a Chicago hotel were met with steep prices—nearly $13 for a bottle of water and $22 for a glass of wine—while they awaited the election results.
Critics online were quick to highlight the discrepancy between these prices and Krishnamoorthi’s campaign messaging, especially given the campaign’s status as one of the top fundraisers in the nation.
Throughout his campaign, Krishnamoorthi raised over $30 million, significantly surpassing most Senate candidates nationwide. Additionally, he received substantial backing from the cryptocurrency sector’s leading super PAC, Fairshake, which heavily invested in efforts to unseat Stratton.
Democratic pollster Adam Carlson commented on X, saying, “Dude hired three pollsters (that we know of) and is still charging $13 for a water.”
Republican strategist Collin Corbett also weighed in on social media, remarking, “Thanks, volunteers, for working for me. Now pay $13 for water. I guess, based on how Raja treats his staff, this shouldn’t be surprising.”
“That’s worse than some stadium prices,” Politico Playbook wrote in response to the $13 water.
Even a popular Chicago bar account mocked the congressman’s cash bar prices.
“I’m professionally and personally horrified,” the account wrote.
Krishnamoorthi sought to aggressively brand himself as an affordability champion during the campaign. When asked by Chicago’s PBS station about the most pressing issue facing Illinois voters, Krishnamoorthi said rising costs.
“Life has become simply too expensive,” Krishnamoorthi said. “The cost of living has skyrocketed, opportunity has stalled, and it’s affecting every Illinoisan — whether they’re 8 years old or 80.
Democratic candidates nationwide are seeking to capitalize on voter unease about cost-of-living issues as the party seeks to flip control of Congress during November’s midterm elections.
Stratton’s watch party — held at a different Chicago venue — notably offered attendees an open bar. The event also offered attendees free sandwiches and sliders.
Fox News Digital reached out to Krishnamoorthi’s campaign for comment.
