Robin Kelly Withdraws from Race
Robin Kelly Withdraws from Race (Chicago, IL) — The last several days have been contentious at best for the Illinois Democratic Party. Robin Kelly, who succeeded disgraced house speaker Michael Madigan as the Illinois Party Chair, was not supported for reelection by Governor JB Pritzker, abortion rights activist group Personal PAC and union federation AFL-CIO. While this was unfolding before the public eye, DNC leaders were visiting Chicago in hopes of hosting the 2024 DNC Convention here.
Several of Kelly’s allies released statements in support of her candidacy, including 6th District Cook County Commissioner, Donna Miller, who said, “As a Black woman, I am mindful of the dog whistles used to raise legal questions about the first African American and first woman to lead the Democratic Party of Illinois. Robin has followed the rules set forth by the FEC and the party has flourished under her leadership. Personal PAC did not raise the same questions about the previous chair when he was under federal investigation and ultimately indicted.”
In a statement, US Rep. Robin Kelly said the following:
“Over the past 16 months, I have had the immense privilege of serving as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois. In that time, the DPI has taken dramatic steps forward by modernizing our party operations, developing new and impactful programming, and re-engaging with the national Democratic Party in a way not seen in decades. Simply put, our party has made amazing progress in a short amount of time.
“I was elected as the first woman and the first Black chair of the DPI because of my vision for an inclusive, diverse, and people-first party. Unfortunately, it has become clear that support for my re-election as chair will come up just shy of the necessary majority. Therefore, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for chair.
“Serving as chair has been a true honor, and I could not be more proud of my staff, my supporters, and all Democrats across the state who joined in building a stronger DPI.”
Robin Kelly Withdraws from Race
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