US Rep. Robin Kelly announces Senate bid to succeed Dick Durbin

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Rep. Robin Kelly announced Tuesday that she is running for Dick Durbin's senate seat

“Today, I announce my run for the US Senate. This moment demands proven leaders with the experience to take on tough battles," Kelly wrote on X, alongside a campaign video

Kelly, who has served Illinois' second congressional district since 2013, said she is running "to fight for health care that doesn’t bankrupt families. For wages that lift people up. For housing that’s affordable. For neighborhoods safe from gun violence."

She is the second Democrat to announce a candidacy to replace Durbin, who said last month that he would not seek reelection in 2026.

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton became the first to announce her bid to fill the seat.

Durbin, who was elected to the Senate in 1996, said he would not endorse a candidate to replace him.

Illinois’ primary will take place in March 2026.