Rep. Clyburn Joins Fundraiser for Congresswoman Kelly in Tight Senate Race

Kelly brings in high-profile Democratic supporter as polls show her trailing in third place

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Congresswoman Robin Kelly held a fundraiser in Chicago this week with the support of Rep. James Clyburn, a prominent Democratic figure, as she seeks the party's nomination to replace retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Kelly is running in a tight race against Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, with polls showing her trailing in third place. Clyburn, who is considered a kingmaker in Democratic circles, cited Kelly's experience on key issues like healthcare in his decision to campaign for her.

Why it matters

The race to replace the long-serving Senator Durbin is one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries in the country, with the winner likely to become the next U.S. Senator from Illinois. Kelly's ability to rally high-profile Democratic support like Clyburn's could help boost her chances, even as she faces a well-funded challenge from her rivals.

The details

Congresswoman Kelly held a fundraiser in Chicago on Tuesday, just one week before the primary election. She was joined by Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, a veteran Democratic Congressman who is considered a party kingmaker. Clyburn cited Kelly's experience on key issues like healthcare in explaining his decision to campaign for her. Meanwhile, a crypto-backed PAC is pouring millions into ads attacking Lt. Gov. Stratton, while a Pritzker-backed PAC is spending heavily against Congressman Krishnamoorthi to help Stratton. Kelly is hoping her personal outreach to voters can overcome the negative advertising blitz from her rivals.

  • The fundraiser took place on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The Illinois Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The players

Rep. James Clyburn

A veteran Democratic Congressman from South Carolina who is considered a kingmaker in the party.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly

A Democratic Congresswoman running to replace retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

A Democratic Congressman also running for the U.S. Senate seat.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton

The Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, also running for the U.S. Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“Robin, I've known her long before we came to the Congress. I've been in Congress 32 years, and I knew her before then. And she has been a persistent messenger for affordable health care. She's been our go-to person on health care issues.”

— Rep. James Clyburn (abc7chicago.com)

“When you look at how many people they've actually polled, or, you know, the questions they asked, you know, polls can say a lot of different things. And so I'm not basing what I do on the polls. I'm trying to get in front of as many people as possible.”

— Congresswoman Robin Kelly (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

On Friday, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is hosting a get-out-the-vote rally with Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts ahead of the March 17th primary election.

The takeaway

The race to replace Senator Durbin has become a high-stakes battle, with the candidates pulling out all the stops in the final stretch. Kelly's ability to rally support from prominent Democrats like Clyburn could give her a boost, but she faces a well-funded challenge from her rivals as they seek to sway voters in the final days before the primary.