North Cook News

Illinois 8th Congressional District candidate Chris Dargis has conceded the race to incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. 

“THANK YOU to everyone that fought hard for our families and for Illinois with integrity, conviction, and a positive spirit," Dargis said on Facebook. "I am incredibly grateful for your prayers and support. Although we fell short this time, let's hold our head high and continue our efforts to give everyone the opportunity to achieve the American Dream."

A supporter commented on Dargis's post saying, "It’s disappointing. You’re the person that would have genuinely worked for and with the people. It’s always a tough battle in Illinois." 

"[D]on’t lose hope!" Dargis responded to his supporter. "There is always another opportunity to make a positive impact!"  

Dargis campaigned that he would have been a representative that puts the interests of his constituents first. The Chicago Tribune described him as "a political neophyte, and yet he speaks with poise, passion and an impressive grasp of both foreign and domestic issues." He was endorsed by the Tribune during the primary election campaign.

"Dargis advocates zero-baseline budgeting to force Congress to evaluate our spending programs to ensure taxpayer dollars are benefiting the American people instead of lining the pockets of special interests," The Tribune stated.

As of last count, according to The New York Times, Dargis had 43.7% of the vote with 88,097 votes to Krishnamoorthi’s 56.3% of the vote with 113,566 votes.

Earlier in the campaign, Dargis decried Chicago transporting undocumented immigrants to the suburbs. In a tweet, Dargis said that “The impact of the #BidenBorderCrisis should not fall on Illinois taxpayers because the Biden-Krishnamoorthi administration has refused to solve this humanitarian and national security crisis. We need leaders in D.C. who will secure our borders now! #twill," Chicago City Wire reported.

Earlier this year radio host Dan Proft blasted Krishnamoorthi for allegedly spreading COVID disinformation. “Read the whole thread about an under-highlighted COVID demagogue and partisan hack -- I know there are many from which to choose in the IL congressional delegation-- @congressmanraja." Proft tweeted.