U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly announced Tuesday morning that she has entered the 2026 race for Illinois' open Senate seat. Kelly released the following statement on social media: "Today I announce my run for the US Senate.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly announced her candidacy in a video, less than two weeks after Sen. Dick Durbin announced he wouldn’t be seeking reelection for a sixth term. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announced her bid a day after Durbin's announcement.

South suburban US Rep. Robin Kelly becomes the second candidate to enter what’s expected to be a crowded field to replace retiring US Sen. Dick Durbin.