Robin Kelly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robin Kelly
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Official portrait, 2021
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 2nd district |
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| Assumed office April 11, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Jesse Jackson Jr. |
| Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party | |
| In office March 3, 2021 – July 30, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Madigan |
| Succeeded by | Elizabeth Hernandez |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 38th district |
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| In office January 8, 2003 – January 12, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Harold Murphy |
| Succeeded by | Al Riley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robin Lynne Kelly
April 30, 1956 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Nathaniel Horn
(m. 2003; died 2023) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Bradley University (BA, MA) Northern Illinois University (PhD) |
Robin Lynne Kelly (born April 30, 1956) is an American politician from Illinois. She has been a U.S. representative for Illinois's 2nd district since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, Kelly also served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. Later, she worked as a top assistant for the Illinois State Treasurer and then for Cook County.
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Early Life and Education
Robin Lynne Kelly was born in Harlem, New York, on April 30, 1956. Her father was a grocer. She wanted to become a child psychologist, someone who helps kids with their thoughts and feelings.
She went to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. There, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 1977 or 1978. She also got a master's degree in counseling in 1982. While in Peoria, she managed a "crisis nursery" and worked at a hospital. In 2004, Kelly earned her Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University.
Early Career in Illinois
From 1992 to 2006, Robin Kelly worked as a director of community affairs in Matteson. This role involved helping connect the local government with the people in the community.
Serving in the Illinois House
In 2002, Kelly decided to run for a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. She won the Democratic primary election against the person who had held the seat for ten years. In the main election, she won with a large majority of the votes. She was re-elected two more times, in 2004 and 2006.
Committee Work
While in the Illinois House, Robin Kelly worked on several important committees. Committees are groups of lawmakers who study specific topics and suggest new laws. Some of her committee assignments included:
- Appropriations-Human Services (about how money is spent on human services)
- Housing & Urban Development (about homes and city planning)
- International Trade & Commerce (about business with other countries)
- Local Government (about city and town governments)
- Mass Transit (Vice Chair) (about public transportation like buses and trains)
- Para-transit (about special transportation for people with disabilities)
- Whole
Working for the State and County
In 2007, Kelly left her seat in the Illinois House. She became the chief of staff for the Illinois Treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias. This made her the first African-American woman to be a chief of staff for an elected statewide official. In 2011, she was appointed chief administrative officer for Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle.
Running for Illinois Treasurer in 2010
In 2010, Robin Kelly ran for Illinois Treasurer. The Treasurer manages the state's money. She won the Democratic primary election. However, she lost the general election to the Republican candidate, Dan Rutherford.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
After Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned from his seat in the U.S. House, Robin Kelly decided to run for the open position. This was for Illinois's 2nd congressional district.
Winning the 2013 Election
Many important politicians supported Robin Kelly in her campaign. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also supported her. He spent a lot of money on TV ads that showed her views on gun control. The Chicago Tribune newspaper also endorsed her.
On February 26, 2013, Kelly won the Democratic primary election with 52% of the votes. This district usually votes for Democrats and has a majority of Black residents. On April 9, she won the special election with about 71% of the votes. She officially took office on April 11, 2013.
Her Time in Congress
As a U.S. Representative, Robin Kelly works on laws that affect people across the country.
Committee Roles
For the 118th Congress, Robin Kelly is part of the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce. This committee handles laws about energy, technology, and health. She is also on these smaller groups within the committee:
- Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
- Subcommittee on Health
- Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce
Caucus Memberships
Robin Kelly is also a member of several caucuses. A caucus is a group of lawmakers who share similar interests or backgrounds.
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Medicare for All Caucus
Political Views
Robin Kelly often votes in agreement with President Joe Biden. In the 117th Congress, she voted with his stated position 100% of the time.
Views on Syria
In 2023, Kelly voted for a resolution (H.Con.Res. 21) that asked President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days. She was one of 56 Democrats who voted this way.
Personal Life
Robin Kelly lives in Matteson. She shared her home with her husband, Nathaniel Horn, until he passed away in August 2023. Kelly is a Nondenominational Protestant, meaning she is a Christian who does not belong to a specific denomination.
Images for kids
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Kelly's first congressional portrait (113th Congress)
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U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Ed Royce, members Steve Chabot and Robin Kelly in 2017 celebrating a law to help educate more girls
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
