Chicago state lawmaker launches bid for Rep. Robin Kelly’s congressional seat

CHICAGO (WGN) — As Rep. Robin Kelly pursues a U.S. Senate seat, an influential state lawmaker is eyeing her job.

Robert Peters, 40, who represents Kenwood and Hyde Park in the Illinois Senate, has launched a bid for the 2^nd Congressional District seat.

“We have Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They’re taking an axe to democracy. They’re taking an axe to government, people are hurting,” Peters told WGN in a sit-down interview. “We need people who can fight back against what they’re doing who also have a vision for what needs to get done in this country.”

Peters says if elected he’ll be a champion for working people and back progressive causes.

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In an early flex, Peters scored endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and DNC vice chair and activist David Hogg, whose Leaders We Deserve organization is looking to replace some Democratic incumbents.

“We should be looking out for people who are struggling, people who need labor rights, people who need health care, people who are worried about reproductive health, people who are worried about democracy and the constitution,” Peters said.

Peters’ name grew in Illinois politics when he backed the state’s no cash bail legislation.

“I’m very proud to be able to say we’ve transformed Illinois’ pretrial system based off of safety and not how rich you are,” he said.

As he looks to stand out in the primary, Peters is sharing his compelling personal story.

“I’m adopted. I was born hard of hearing. I was able to get surgery to be able to gain hearing,” he said.

But he developed a speech impediment, and that, coupled with ADHD, led to struggles as a student. Peters overcame the challenges, graduating from Kansas State with a degree in Social Studies.

“People told me I wasn’t going to amount to anything. I had people tell my parents I wouldn’t graduate from 8^th grade, I wouldn’t graduate from high school, I wouldn’t graduate from college, and my dad said at the end of the day what matters most is that you go out there and try. You go out there and see for yourself, and that has paid off for me in my life,” he said.

Peters’ experience in politics seems to be helping with donors. His campaign said he raised $175,000 over his first 72 hours in the race.