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 | Karen Yarbrough (acting) |
| 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) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
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. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Before becoming a U.S. Representative, Kelly served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. She also worked as a chief of staff for the Illinois State Treasurer and as the chief administrative officer for Cook County. On May 6, 2025, Robin Kelly announced her plan to retire from her current position to seek a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2026.
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Early Life and Education
Robin Lynne Kelly was born in Harlem, New York City, on April 30, 1956. Her father was a grocer. She wanted to become a child psychologist.
College Years
Kelly went to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. There, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1977 or 1978. She also received her Master of Arts degree in counseling in 1982. While in Peoria, she managed a "crisis nursery" and worked in a hospital.
Advanced Studies
In 2004, Kelly earned her Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in political science from Northern Illinois University.
Early Career in Public Service
From 1992 to 2006, Robin Kelly worked as a director of community affairs in Matteson.
Serving in the Illinois House of Representatives
In 2002, Robin Kelly ran for a seat in the Illinois State House of Representatives. She won the Democratic primary election. In November, she won the general election against her Republican opponent.
She was re-elected for a second term in 2004 and a third term in 2006. In 2006, she ran unopposed, meaning no one ran against her.
What Committees Did She Join?
While in the Illinois House, Kelly was part of several important committees. These groups work on specific topics to help make laws. Some of her committee assignments included:
- Appropriations-Human Services
- Housing & Urban Development
- International Trade & Commerce
- Local Government
- Mass Transit (where she was Vice Chair)
Working for State and County Government
In January 2007, Kelly left her seat in the Illinois House. She became the chief of staff for Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias. She was the first African-American woman to hold such a high position 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, in the general election, she lost to Republican State Senator Dan Rutherford.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013 Special Election for Congress
Robin Kelly decided to run for the Illinois's 2nd congressional district seat. This seat became open after the previous representative, Jesse Jackson Jr., resigned. Many important politicians supported her campaign.
On February 13, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky endorsed Kelly. A few days later, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also supported her. He even spent $2 million on TV ads to highlight Kelly's views on gun control. The Chicago Tribune newspaper also endorsed her.
On February 26, Kelly won the Democratic primary election. This district is known for having many Democratic voters. In the general election on April 9, she won with about 71% of the votes.
Her Time in Congress
Robin Kelly officially became a U.S. Representative on April 9, 2013. She was sworn into office on April 11.
What Committees Does She Serve On?
As a U.S. Representative, Kelly serves on the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce. This committee works on laws related to energy, trade, and health. She is also part of these smaller groups within that committee:
- Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade
- Subcommittee on Communications and Technology
- Subcommittee on Health
What Groups Does She Belong To?
Kelly is a member of several caucuses. A caucus is a group of lawmakers who share similar interests or backgrounds. She is part of:
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Medicare for All Caucus
Political Views and Actions
Robin Kelly often votes in line with President Joe Biden's stated positions. For example, in the 117th Congress, she voted with the President's position 100% of the time.
Her Vote on Syria
In 2023, Kelly was one of 56 Democrats who voted for H.Con.Res. 21. This resolution asked President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.
Personal Life
Robin Kelly used to live in Matteson with her husband, Nathaniel Horn. He passed away in August 2023. She now lives in Lynwood. Kelly is a nondenominational Protestant.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- Women in the United States House of Representatives
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2021
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Signature of Robin Kelly
