Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly Runs for U.S. Senate

Three-term House Democrat hopes to replace retiring Senator Dick Durbin

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, who has served Illinois's 2nd congressional district for 13 years, is running for the U.S. Senate in 2026 to replace the retiring Senator Dick Durbin. Kelly, a Democrat, is touting her experience working across the aisle and representing a diverse district as key strengths in the primary race against two other House Democrats from Illinois.

Why it matters

Kelly's Senate bid is part of a larger shakeup in Illinois politics, as Durbin's retirement opens up a rare open Senate seat. The race could have national implications, as Democrats look to maintain their slim majority in the upper chamber.

The details

Kelly has spent over two decades in elected office, including four years in the Illinois state legislature and 13 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. She describes herself as a "workhorse, not a show horse" who has delivered results for her diverse congressional district. Kelly says her experience working across the aisle in a divided Congress will be an asset if elected to the Senate.

  • Kelly has represented Illinois's 2nd congressional district since 2013.
  • Senator Dick Durbin announced he will retire at the end of his current term in 2027.

The players

Robin Kelly

U.S. Representative for Illinois's 2nd congressional district and candidate for the 2026 U.S. Senate election in Illinois.

Dick Durbin

Current U.S. Senator from Illinois who is retiring at the end of his term in 2027.

Brandon Johnson

Current Mayor of Chicago, elected in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“When I think about my primary challengers, I think of myself as a person with a lot more experience that has gotten a lot more meaningful things done while serving in Congress. And my district is urban, suburban, and rural. It is truly a microcosm of Illinois, and I've delivered in every part of my district.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative (cbsnews.com)

“It's not that way when you come to D.C. You have to make and build relationships. You have to know how to work across the aisle.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative (cbsnews.com)

“We never talk about the people that die by gun violence by themselves. We only talk about it if it's a mass shooting.”

— Robin Kelly, U.S. Representative (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Kelly is currently polling in third place in the Democratic primary, but she remains bullish on her chances, citing her "people over profits" campaign approach as resonating with voters.

The takeaway

Kelly's Senate bid highlights the changing political landscape in Illinois, as a new generation of Democrats vie to replace long-serving leaders like Senator Durbin. Her experience working across the aisle and representing a diverse district could give her an edge, but she'll need to overcome fundraising and polling deficits to secure the nomination.