Robin Kelly: 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate

Bio

Office sought: U.S. Senate

City: Lynnwood

Age: 69

Occupation: U.S. Congresswoman (IL-02)

Previous offices held: State Representative

Q&A

What is your top issue and how do you propose to address it?

I’m running on a platform of People Over Profits to make life more affordable. A top issue is ensuring all Americans have access to quality healthcare. There is no reason that the richest nation on the planet should not provide access to quality healthcare for everyone. I am a member of the Medicare for All Caucus and part of my People Over Profits platform includes providing Medicare for All. I also propose expanding the Affordable Care Act to include middle-class families currently not eligible for it and increase subsidies and tax credits to lower healthcare costs.

Do you support the unilateral foreign policy course President Trump has taken with such actions as the bombing of Iran, assaults on Venezuelan ships and the seizure of the Venezuelan president?

No, I do not. President Trump has consistently acted without congressional approval and without the interests of Americans at hand. Americans don’t want a war with Venezuela or Iran and they don’t want him to steal Greenland. They want access to healthcare and a more affordable way of life.

Congress needs to ensure it is serving as a co-equal branch of government. For too long, Congress has turned over power and responsibility to the Executive Branch. If our democracy is to endure, Congress must reassert its Article 1 authority.

The executive branch has expanded its powers in recent years on foreign policy, economic tariffs, executive orders and more. Are you satisfied with the direction these activities are moving? If so, why? If not, what needs to be done differently?

No, I am not satisfied.

Trump has no strategic plan with tariffs and has weaponized them against his perceived enemies. His tariffs have hurt countless American businesses and communities, especially our farmers. I serve the largest Democratic congressional district in the state of Illinois, representing urban, suburban and rural communities with over 4,500 farms. I know personally that Illinois farmers are outraged by Trump’s tariffs.

It’s not just tariffs. Trump’s actions and reputation around the globe have eroded our global relationships because the U.S. looks erratic and untrustworthy.

Trump has proven that democratic norms do not apply or matter to him. We need to codify into law the post-Watergate guardrails that separate the White House from having direct control over the Department of Justice. We also need a co-equal branch of government. For too long Congress has turned over power and responsibility over to the Executive Branch. If our democracy is to endure, Congress must reassert its Article 1 authority. Presidential pardon powers must be reined in.

What should U.S. border policy be? If elected, what would you do to make it happen?

We need secure borders and we need to look at an overhaul of the immigration system.

Trump’s enforcement measures are unAmerican and unconstitutional. I believe ICE should be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up.

Operation Midway Blitz tore apart Chicagoland communities and families, terrorizing the city and suburbs. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her federal agents wreaked havoc on my district and constituents in particular. They landed Black Hawk helicopters on apartment buildings and ripped American citizens from their homes. I told my constituents I would fight against Secretary Noem’s agenda and I am fighting back.

I filed Articles of Impeachment against Kristi Noem because I’ve had enough with her reckless abandon for the Constitution, decency and the rule of law. More than half the caucus has signed on as cosponsors and support the impeachment of Kristi Noem. Illinoisans and Americans across the country have been disgusted by Secretary Noem’s actions. People have had enough.

What should be the government’s role in assuring health care for Americans? What should be done regarding the ACA to better perform this function?

People are paying too much for healthcare. I will never give up fighting for Americans to have access to quality care. As a member of the Medicare for All Caucus, I am working to make Medicare for All the law of the land.

There is no reason that the richest nation on the planet should not provide access to quality healthcare for everyone. I propose expanding the Affordable Care Act to include middle-class families currently not eligible for it and increase subsidies and tax credits to lower healthcare costs.

I will continue to build on my maternal healthcare work. I’m proud to have introduced the first comprehensive maternal healthcare bill in Congress and was able to pass into law an extension from 60 days to one year for Medicaid postpartum care. I recently introduced the WELLS Act, named in honor of my constituent Mercedes Wells, who was forced to give birth in her truck after being discharged from a hospital. The bill urges hospitals and birthing centers to develop and implement a safe discharge plan.

Additionally, I will continue the push for increased access to dental care and lower drug costs.

What is your vision for a solution to conflicts involving Israel and the Palestinians? What should the United States be doing to advance this position?

I’m glad the final Israeli hostage has been returned to his family. I believe it’s time for Netanyahu to go and that we work toward a two-state solution and lasting peace in the region. I am the only candidate in this race who signed on to the Block the Bombs bill that blocked certain offensive weapons. I’d be curious where my opponents stand on this issue.