U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly enters race to replace Durbin

CHICAGO — U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly announced her bid for U.S. Senate on Tuesday morning.

Kelly made the announcement in a video message shared on social media early Tuesday morning.

“I’m running for U.S. Senate because this moment demands proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles,” Kelly said in a social media post shared on Tuesday morning. “I’ve never backed down — not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for what’s right.”

Kelly’s announcement comes a little under two weeks after Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announced her bid for senate as candidates seek to fill the seat retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin will leave behind.  

Stratton has already received endorsements from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Senator Tammy Duckworth.

Kelly currently represents the 2nd Congressional District, a position she has held since 2013. previously, she served as chief of staff to Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Chief Administrative Officer to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.