Robin Kelly
Representative, IL-02 · Democratic · Illinois
Robin Kelly is a U.S. Representative for Chicago’s south suburbs and a longtime gun-safety advocate, running in Illinois’ open 2026 U.S. Senate race.
Profile last updated Jul 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Scout's Report
A veteran legislator with deep ties to the Chicago-area Democratic base and a national profile on gun-violence prevention and public health.
Core Strength
Established base support, gun-safety credentials, and long legislative experience.
Core Weakness
Faces better-funded rivals in a competitive statewide primary.
Recent Action
Entered Illinois’ open 2026 U.S. Senate race after Sen. Dick Durbin announced his retirement.
Key Metrics
- Reliability
- 97%
- Documented Controversies
- 0
- Funding Secured
- $55M
Roll-call or session participation — did they show up?
Official ethics findings or court records only.
Federal appropriations and project funding directed to Illinois’ 2nd District (absolute, session-to-date).
Where They Stand
Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.
Environment—Supports4
Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.
Backs federal clean-energy investment and emissions limits.
Healthcare—Supports4
Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.
Supports expanding coverage and addressing health disparities.
Second Amendment—Supports5
New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.
A leading advocate for expanded background checks and firearm-safety laws.
Immigration—Supports4
Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.
Supports comprehensive reform with a pathway to citizenship.
Roe v. Wade—Supports4
Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.
Supports codifying abortion-access protections into federal law.
National Security—Mixed / Partial4
Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.
Emphasizes congressional authorization and diplomacy over unilateral escalation.
Party Loyalty
Party-line alignment on major recorded votes.