Advocate Raja Krishnamoorthi joked about $13 for water at an election night watch party

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., is facing online ridicule after his Senate campaign night watch group charged customers exorbitant water prices, despite saying it was fighting for affordability issues.

Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House for five years, narrowly lost to Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton, D-Ill., is in danger in the Democratic primary Tuesday night. Krishnamoorthi’s supporters had to pay about $13 for water and $22 for a glass of wine at a party in a Chicago hotel as they watched the refunds roll in.

Online observers noted the irony of the price hike as Krishnamoorthi’s Senate campaign was one of the biggest fundraisers in the country.

The congressman reported pulling in more than $30 million during the campaign, far more than nearly any Senate candidate nationwide. Krishnamoorthi also benefited from the cryptocurrency industry’s largest PAC, Fairshake, which is spending heavily in an effort to take down Stratton.

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“Dude hired three voters (that we know of) and still charges $13 for water,” wrote Democratic pollster Adam Carlson at X.

“Thank you, volunteers, for working for me. Now pay $13 for water,” Republican strategist Collin Corbett wrote on social media. “I think, based on the way Raja treats his staff, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.”

“That’s worse than other stadium prices,” Politico Playbook wrote in response to $13 water.

Even the famous Chicago account mocked the congressman’s cash bar rates.

“Work and I’m scared myself,” the account wrote.

Attorney Raja Krishnamoorthi on stage at the primary night event at The Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago, March 18, 2026. (Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images)

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Krishnamoorthi tried to portray himself as a champion of affordability during the campaign. When asked by Chicago’s PBS station about the most pressing issue facing Illinois voters, Krishnamoorthi said rising costs.

“Life is becoming more expensive,” said Krishnamoorthi. “The cost of living has skyrocketed, opportunity has diminished, and it affects every Illinoisan — whether you’re 8 or 80.

Statewide candidates are looking to capitalize on voters’ relief from cost-of-living issues as the party seeks to wrest control of Congress during November’s midterm elections.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, RS.D., did not believe that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, DN.Y., or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, DN.Y., would be credible brokers in the upcoming DHS negotiations. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

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Stratton’s viewing party — held at a different Chicago location — offered attendees an open bar. The event also offered free sandwiches and sliders to attendees.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Krishnamoorthi’s campaign for comment.