Kelly In for Senate, Frerichs Won't Run
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) at a Capitol Hill news conference in 2017. She announced her run for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat Tuesday. (Photo: Getty)
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Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Matteson) entered the United States Senate race Tuesday, joining Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton in what is expected to be a jam packed primary to replace Sen. Dick Durbin.
Kelly, who turned 69 last week, has served in Congress since winning a special election for the southside-based 2nd Congressional District in 2013. She previously served in the Illinois House from 2003-2007 and lost a race for State Treasurer in 2010.
“Every day, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Congressional Republicans are targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and passing policies that raise costs for Illinois families, small businesses, and farmers,” said Kelly said in a release this morning. “This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles. I’ve never backed down – not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for what’s right.”
Here is Kelly’s announcement video.
Meanwhile, we’re still awaiting announcements from Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Schaumburg) and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville).
We’re told Krishnamoorthi is still likely to enter the race, but it isn’t clear when that may happen. Underwood has reportedly been pushed by Governor JB Pritzker and his team to stay out of the race. Pritzker’s camp denies that report.
State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, who expressed interest in a run following Durbin’s retirement announcement, said in an e-mail to supporters Monday he would not be a candidate for Senate.
“I have had a lot of conversations over the last week and many people have encouraged me to run. I appreciate all the support, and, although it would be difficult, I can see a path. However, the first question I have to ask myself is: Do I still want the job,” Frerichs wrote. “After many conversations with friends, and lengthy talks with my wife, I have reached the decision that the answer is no. I am not willing to travel to Washington, D.C. 30-some weeks a year and spend so many nights away from my children. I don't want to miss their games, their recitals, or even that many bedtimes.”
He did not confirm in the e-mail that he was seeking a third term as Treasurer, but insinuated his intentions.
Frerichs, who is from Champaign County and lived in Champaign for more than two decades, recently moved to Chicago. He was considered the only downstate Democrat potentially interested in the race.
