Congresswoman Robin Kelly Answers Questions

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has been representing the 2nd Congressional District since 2013. Photo provided by Boyce/Possley Communications.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly has been representing the 2nd Congressional District since 2013. Photo provided by Boyce/Possley Communications.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly Answers Questions

By Tia Carol Jones

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has represented the 2nd Congressional District since 2013. She took time to answer questions the Citizen Newspaper sent to her just as the longest government shutdown in American history was ending after 35 days.

Citizen: How have you and your office been helping your constituents through the changes happening with this administration?

Congresswoman Robin Kelly: My offices in Chicago, Matteson, and Danville regularly help constituents by cutting through red tape and connecting them with federal resources. The Trump administration has fired federal workers without any justification, detained U.S. citizens and immigrants regardless of status or criminal history and gutted critical programs like Medicaid and Social Security.

One of my constituents reached out to my office because her mother, who’s lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, was kidnapped by ICE at work. At 19 years old, my constituent was left to run her mother’s business, raise her younger sister, and juggle her own education. She had no way of contacting her mother or finding out if ICE plans to deport her. My office helped find and connect her, and we continue to find answers to reunite this family.


Citizen: What do you think people need to know about what happens in the time before, during and after a government shutdown?

Congresswoman Kelly: People should know the Republican shutdown was never about helping Americans. Trump and the GOP have created a healthcare crisis, made life more expensive, illegally froze federal funds, and slashed budgets. They even tried to hide a million-dollar giveaway to eight Senators.

But I am not giving up on fighting and delivering for Illinoisans. It’s more important than ever that we put the right people in office in November of 2026 who have the experience and relationships to bring us back from the brink of Trump’s disaster.


Citizen: Why is it important that people stay engaged in the political process?

Congresswoman Kelly: Under Trump and the MAGA GOP, our democracy is on the line. It is not too much to say that our American experiment that began 250 years ago could come crashing down under Trump’s cruel agenda. I know people are frustrated with high prices for everything and choosing between paying rent and going to the doctor. It shouldn’t be this way in America. But I would ask that people not grow weary. Do not lose your voice in this critical moment. If there was ever a time to remain engaged in the political process, it is now.


Citizen: You announced that you were running for Senator Dick Durbin’s seat in 2026. What led you to make this decision? What do you think makes you stand out from the other contenders?

Congresswoman Kelly: I’ve thought about this run for a long time. I’ve worked and delivered at every level of government, and I believe I was put on this earth to be a public servant. I’ve spent nearly 13 years in Congress delivering results for the people of Illinois. My district is the largest in the state, covering everything from the Museum of Science and Industry all the way to Danville. I currently serve a microcosm of Illinois with urban, suburban and rural communities in my district. I love my job. If I can help more Illinoisans, I am going to strive for that.

Voters should look at my record. I have the experience and accomplishments to lead in the U.S. Senate. People don’t just want a fighter. They want a winner. I’m the only candidate in this race who has taken on the NRA, the health insurance companies, the political machines, and won. I show up, stand up and speak up to do what is right - no matter who the bully is. I know how to do the work and put people first over politics and profits. I’m a workhorse, not a show horse. I will continue to deliver in the U.S. Senate.


Citizen: Since you announced that you were running for Durbin’s seat, people have announced their intentions to run for your Congressional seat. What qualities do you think a good Congressperson should have in order to be effective in the role?

Congresswoman Kelly: You need to listen. As a Congresswoman, my job is to represent and serve the people in my district. That means I need to show up at their businesses, churches, schools and farms to hear what matters to them and what keeps them up at night.

I listen and take people’s concerns back to Congress. And I deliver. I brought the issue of maternal mortality and morbidity to Congress because a constituent called me to tell me a personal story. I then introduced and secured the first comprehensive maternal healthcare bill in Congress. I was able to pass into law an extension from 60 days to 1 year for Medicaid postpartum care.


Citizen: Where can people go to find out more about your campaign for Senator and where can people go to receive updates on your Congressional activities?


Congresswoman Kelly: Please visit robinforsenate.com for more information and be sure to follow my social media platforms under@robinlynnekelly. I’m busy traveling the state listening to residents and gathering your concerns. Please come out and say hello when I’m in your area!

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