U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who is among three high-profile politicians running to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, told Windy City Times she would only vote to confirm federal judges—including Supreme Court nominees—who support same-sex marriage.
This commitment comes at a time of rising concern about the erosion of LGBTQ+ legal protections under a more conservative judiciary, intensified by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing for a youth gender-affirming care ban in Tennessee. This case highlights the importance of having judges that support LGBTQ+ rights, Kelly said.
“We have to make sure that we have folks like that serving, and we have to make sure they tell the truth,” Kelly said. “We saw what happened with Dobbs, and we have to continue to fight the good fight.”
Kelly framed the pledge as part of her broader commitment to defending LGBTQ+ rights amid attacks from the federal government and in other states across the country. Other priorities if elected to the U.S. Senate would include health care access, gun violence prevention and workforce and tech readiness, she said.
Kelly has served in Congress since 2013 and is one of three candidates in the competitive primary race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Others in the field include Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.
Windy City Times is coordinating interviews with the other major candidates in this race.
As a U.S. representative for Illinois’ 2nd District, Kelly has represented an area stretching from the Kenwood neighborhood through portions of the South Side and South Suburbs, into more rural counties outside the Chicago area.
Before joining Congress, Kelly held statewide and local leadership roles, including in the Illinois House of Representatives and as chief of staff for Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.
Kelly told Windy City Times her experience working on behalf of urban, suburban and rural areas and at every level of government sets her apart from others in the race.
“I’ve worked on and delivered on every level of government,” Kelly said. “My work speaks for itself.”
LGBTQ+ rights and track record
Kelly has long positioned herself as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, backing major federal legislation and building space for ongoing dialogue and advocacy.
“I’m proud that I was an original co-sponsor of the Equality Bill,” Kelly said.
The Equality Act, which has passed the House of Representatives twice but not been passed by the Senate, would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodation areas.
Kelly also supported the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriages into law, while supporting several other pro-LGBTQ+ initiatives throughout her career.
“I’ve supported everything the Equality Caucus has put forward,” Kelly noted.
In addition to her voting record, Kelly founded a recurring LGBTQ+ roundtable about seven years ago, which she described as a “pride and joy.”
Initially started with help from former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and attended by about 12 people, the roundtable has grown to attract as many as 60-70 participants, Kelly said.
“It’s issues-oriented,” Kelly said. “We usually have a member of Congress, but also we’ve had people from health care… It’s a learning experience. We’ve done topics on issues affecting trans people, LGBTQ+ athletes and other issues.”
The roundtable has featured speakers such as former U.S. Rep. David Cicilline and LGBTQ+ advocate Brendan Wolf, including a session focused on the Pulse nightclub shooting and its aftermath.
Kelly has also worked closely with longtime HIV/AIDS advocate Rep. Barbara Lee, and said she is now “carrying the torch” on equitable public health funding.
“I go back to the communities affected and learn from them,” Kelly said. “[I] Ask them what programs they feel are needed, what money they feel is needed… I do a lot of work around making sure things are fair and that the money is given out in an equitable way.”
Kelly expressed frustration and urgency about transgender rights, listing priorities such as repealing the ban on trans military service and ensuring gender-affirming care remains accessible.
“I will do everything I can to ensure transgender communities are protected,” Kelly said. “I’m not backing down from the fight.”
Kelly said she spoke out during a congressional hearing on gender-affirming care and left the meeting in protest.
“It was so ridiculous what they were saying and the video they tried to show,” Kelly said. “I left the meeting in protest, because it was so ridiculous.”
Kelly’s advocacy has earned her campaign support from parts of the LGBTQ+ community. Earlier in June, Kelly received endorsements from nearly 70 LGBTQ+ leaders in Illinois, including Lightfoot, Alds. Bennett Lawson (44th Ward) and Lamont Robinson (4th Ward), AIDS Foundation Chicago President and CEO John Peller, and various other business leaders, lawyers and professionals.
“I’m so proud that I’ve earned the trust,” Kelly said. “Just like I do now, I’ll carry that on to the Senate—but actually on a broader basis, because it’ll be the whole state I’d represent.”
Broader policy priorities
Beyond LGBTQ+ rights, Kelly said her campaign is grounded in expanding access to health care, addressing gun violence as a public health crisis and preparing Illinois workers for a changing economy.
“I have a huge health care portfolio, and I would definitely want to continue that,” Kelly said. “Health care should be for everyone in the richest country in the world.”
Gun violence prevention has long been central to Kelly’s work in Congress, and she said it would remain a top priority in the Senate.
“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Kelly said. “Gun violence happens too often on our streets. And I do consider it to be a public health issue.”
Kelly also said she wants to ensure Illinois is ready for the future of work, especially in emerging fields like artificial intelligence.
“More people have to understand it, be trained, not be afraid of it and make sure that our young folks are prepared to take those jobs of the future,” Kelly said.
When asked about immigration, Kelly called for comprehensive reform that includes protections for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and families.
“We need to reform the system. We need to take care of the people that have been here, that are undocumented but contributing to society and to the country,” Kelly said. “Everyone needs to have fair, equal treatment. We need to follow the asylum laws. We need to not separate families.”
Kelly also reflected on her time in Congress, emphasizing she’s learned the need to act quickly when in power.
“I”m in my 13th year [in Congress], and we’ve only been in the majority four of those years,” Kelly said. “Take advantage when you can, because you never know how quickly things are going to change.”
If elected, Kelly said she would bring the same hands-on approach she’s taken in her current role representing a diverse swath of Illinois.
“I’m not a show horse, I’m a workhorse,” Kelly said. “I get the job done.”