Sen. Cory Booker Endorses Robin Kelly in Illinois U.S. Senate Race

Feb

2026

In the News

Sen. Cory Booker Endorses Robin Kelly in Illinois U.S. Senate Race

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey has endorsed U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly in her bid for the U.S. Senate, giving the Illinois Democrat a high-profile boost as her campaign continues to gather support from national and local leaders.

Booker announced his backing Thursday, praising Kelly’s legislative record and highlighting their shared work on gun violence prevention. The New Jersey senator described Kelly as an effective lawmaker with a history of advocating for working families and confronting powerful special interests.

“Robin Kelly is a leader who gets things done, which is why Illinois — and the nation — needs her voice in the Senate,” Booker said in a statement. He pointed to Kelly’s efforts to address gun violence and said he was proud to partner with her on what he called lifesaving policy initiatives.

Kelly welcomed the endorsement, calling Booker “a powerful and principled voice” and emphasizing their alignment on social justice, economic opportunity, and public safety.

“We share a commitment to fighting for social justice, economic opportunity, and ending senseless gun violence in our communities,” Kelly said. “Senator Booker’s endorsement reinforces my resolve to reach voters across Illinois about the urgent need to send a proven leader to the Senate who will deliver results for working families.”

The endorsement adds to a growing list of supporters for Kelly’s campaign, including U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and its political action committee, and several advocacy organizations focused on gun violence prevention. Community leaders, labor allies, and advocacy groups across Illinois have also publicly backed her candidacy.

Kelly, who represents Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, has centered her Senate campaign on public safety, economic equity, and expanding access to health care and education. Her work on gun violence prevention has been a defining issue throughout her congressional tenure, including leadership on research and policy initiatives following high-profile shootings.

The Illinois Senate race is expected to draw significant attention as candidates compete for support across the state, with endorsements from national figures playing a key role in shaping the Democratic primary landscape.

By Silence DoGood