South Suburban Leaders Rally Behind Robin Kelly’s U.S. Senate Bid

Oct

2025

In the News

South Suburban Leaders Rally Behind Robin Kelly’s U.S. Senate Bid

(Chicago, IL) – Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s campaign for the U.S. Senate gained significant momentum this week as more than 40 elected officials and community leaders from Chicago’s South Suburbs formally endorsed her candidacy.

The show of support, which includes a diverse group of mayors, trustees, state legislators, and former officeholders, underscores Kelly’s deep roots in the region and her reputation as a results-driven public servant.

“Trust, knowledge, and strength of character are attributes that define Robin Kelly and her work for Illinois,” said former State Rep. Al Riley. “From the statehouse to Congress, Robin’s work has always focused on community well-being—whether it’s equitable healthcare or public safety. I know she’ll bring the same passion, drive, and proven results to the U.S. Senate.”

State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin praised Kelly’s record of leadership, saying, “Robin Kelly has forged an experienced and proven path at every level of government that I admire and follow. She’s the candidate who knows how to get things done for Illinois.”

Richton Park Village President Rick Reinbold echoed that sentiment, calling Kelly “one of the most effective, compassionate, and principled leaders I know.”

Kelly, who began her political career representing the South Suburbs, said she was “humbled” by the wave of endorsements.

“I got my start as an elected official representing the South Suburbs, and I’m honored to have the continued confidence and support of these leaders who have had my back from day one,” she said.

The list of supporters includes former Congresswoman Marie Newman, several members of the Illinois General Assembly, and longtime Southland mayors such as Dave Gonzalez of Chicago Heights, Sheila Chalmers-Currin of Matteson, Michelle Nelson of Flossmoor, and Roger Agpawa of Markham.

Other backers include local officials from across the Southland—among them trustees, school board members, and township leaders from Dolton, Park Forest, Richton Park, Matteson, and other communities.

The local endorsements build on a growing national coalition behind Kelly’s Senate run. She has already received support from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brady PAC—the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization—members of the Congressional Black Caucus and its PAC, Elect Democratic Women, and nearly 70 leaders from Illinois’ LGBTQIA+ community.

Kelly, who currently represents Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, has built her career around advocacy for gun violence prevention, healthcare access, and economic equity. Her campaign positions her as a candidate who can bridge national policy priorities with local needs across Illinois.

More information on Kelly’s campaign and platform is available at her official website.

By Silence DoGood