SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – U.S. Representative Robin Kelly has officially launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Dick Durbin, who plans to retire at the end of his term in 2027.
Kelly, a veteran Democratic lawmaker and former chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, is the second major Democrat to enter the 2026 primary race, following Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. She has represented Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District since 2013. Her district stretches from Chicago’s South Side to Danville, covering a large and diverse area. In 2010, she also ran as the Democratic nominee for state treasurer.
“I’ve never backed down – not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for what’s right,” Kelly said in a statement.
Kelly served as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party from 2021 to 2022, having been elected with the support of Sen. Durbin. However, she was later unseated by State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, who had the backing of Governor J.B. Pritzker.
She enters the Senate race with $2 million in campaign funds, according to federal election records.
In the primary, Kelly will face Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who has already secured endorsements from both Gov. Pritzker and Sen. Tammy Duckworth. Other potential candidates include U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lauren Underwood.
Although Sen. Durbin supported Kelly during her time as party chair, he has said he does not plan to endorse any candidate in the 2026 primary.