Representative Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) declared on Tuesday her intention to run for the Senate seat currently held by Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), becoming another notable Democratic contender in Illinois.
“I’m Robin Kelly, and I guess I’ve been considered a loser for a long time,” the House Democrat stated in a video shared online. This marks the start of her campaign for the Senate.
Kelly emphasized her history of overcoming challenges, recalling her 2002 victory over a long-standing state representative and her success in a competitive Democratic primary in Illinois’ second legislative district.
In her video, she highlighted her achievements, especially her involvement in Congress’s sit-ins advocating for gun control and her initiatives to enhance Medicaid for new mothers.
“But what’s happening now? This is an entirely new era. That’s why I’m running for the U.S. Senate,” Kelly expressed in the video. “I want to advocate for healthcare that prevents families from facing bankruptcy. I aim for wages that elevate people’s lives, affordable housing, and communities free from gun violence.”
Since 2013, Kelly has represented Illinois’ Second Congressional District, which encompasses a diverse blend of urban, suburban, and rural areas.
She joins a growing list of Democrats entering the race for Durbin’s Senate seat. Lt. Col. Juliana Stratton (D) has also announced her candidacy and is backed by both Governor JB Pritzker (D) and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
Other Democratic House members, such as Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lauren Underwood, may also enter the primary, while Rep. Darrin Lahood (R-Ill.) is a contender for the Republican nomination.
With current political trends, winning the Democratic primary for Durbin’s seat positions the candidate as a strong favorite in the subsequent general election.
