robin kelly committee and caucus assignments

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Robin L. Kelly

Illinois (IL) – 2nd, Democrat

Hometown: Matteson

Oath of Office: Jan. 07, 2023

Overview & Contact

• Communications and Technology
• Innovation, Data, and Commerce

Recent Votes

Rep. Robin Kelly leads historic investments in health equity

• Crusader Staff
• September 16, 2021

Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Vice-Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust voted on September 15, 2021, in D.C. to favorably report the Build Back Better Act out of the Energy and Commerce committee. The legislation will soon advance to the House floor for final passage.

“The Build Back Better Act will be one of the most transformative pieces of legislation for Americans in generations, and I am proud to have ensured that this bill will include major steps forward in reducing health inequities,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “For too long, Black Americans, people of color, and low-income individuals have been left behind when it comes to healthcare access, leading to disproportionately higher rates of certain illnesses, maternal mortality, and death. No more. We must pass the Build Back Better Act to bring reliable, affordable healthcare coverage to all Americans regardless of where they live or what they look like.”

Congresswoman Kelly’s leadership on several key health equity provisions were key to their inclusion in the final bill text. Inclusion of the following priorities was based on legislation Congresswoman Kelly authored on Medicaid postpartum coverage, Medicare dental coverage and a solution to close the Medicaid coverage gap.

Extended Medicaid Postpartum Coverage

Rep. Kelly first introduced the MOMMAs Act in the 115th Congress and has continued to reintroduce this and other legislation to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage. The Build Back Better Act provision for extended Medicaid postpartum coverage is based on Rep. Kelly’s MOMMAs Act and builds on the state option for the extension she successfully included as part of the American Rescue Plan. While 25 states have extended Medicaid postpartum coverage through either the American Rescue Plan option or an 1115 waiver, this legislation will ensure that all women, regardless of their zip code, have access to the life-saving maternal health coverage they deserve.

The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality among developed countries. Mortality rates for Black women are more than three times higher compared to the rate of white women, and women of color also experience more pregnancy complications and risk factors.

One in three maternal deaths and pregnancy-related complications occur between one week and one year of giving birth. The Build Back Better Act will improve maternal health outcomes for vulnerable populations by ensuring that all pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries will keep their health insurance for the first critical year postpartum, while also making significant public health investments to reduce inequities in maternal health outcomes and strengthen the maternal health workforce.

Medicare Dental Coverage

Based on Rep. Kelly’s Medicare Dental Coverage Act, the Build Back Better Act includes dental coverage for seniors using Medicare Part B. The legislation adds new dental benefits to Medicare Part B, including coverage for screening and preventative services, basic and major treatments, and dentures beginning in 2028.

Currently, nearly half of Medicare beneficiaries have no dental coverage. One in five Medicare beneficiaries who used dental services in 2018 spent more than $1,000 out of pocket on dental care, and many went without care due to cost. When oral disease goes untreated, people are at a higher risk for diabetes, stroke, COVID-19, and even death. People of color and low-income individuals are disproportionately impacted by Medicare’s gaps in dental coverage. 68 percent of Black and 61 percent of Latino Medicare beneficiaries did not visit a dentist in the past year compared to white beneficiaries.

Medicaid Coverage Gap Solution

Congresswoman Kelly has recently led the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Tri-Caucus in two letters to Congressional leadership and the White House, urging a permanent solution to close the Medicaid coverage gap.

The Build Back Better Act finally closes the Medicaid coverage gap and expands access to low-income individuals regardless of where they live, strengthening the health and financial security of beneficiaries and their communities. By closing the Medicaid coverage gap, the Build Back Better Act will expand coverage to up to 4 million uninsured individuals and finally enable them to enjoy the full benefits of Medicaid expansion.

People of color are overrepresented in the coverage gap. While they comprise 41 percent of the adult, non-elderly population in non-expansion states, they made up 60 percent of people in the coverage gap, including 28 percent who are Latino and 28 percent who are Black. Research shows that expanded Medicaid is associated with greater access to primary, preventative, and specialist care, and significantly decreased emergency room visits.

Medicaid expansion is associated with lower maternal mortality rates among Black women.

It is associated with better health outcomes and increased treatment of cancer. Medicaid expansion has saved thousands of premature deaths annually and saved the lives of at least 19,200 adults between 2014-2017.

Beginning in 2022 through 2024, the legislation expands the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits to below 100 percent of the federal poverty line and provides enhanced cost-sharing assistance.

Then beginning in 2025, the bill establishes a federal Medicaid program in the remaining non-expansion states.

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Robin (Robin) Kelly (D-02)

Us representative robin kelly, committee assignments, election / personal info.

Rep. Robin Kelly

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families.

A member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee (the main investigative body of the House), and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Information Technology, the Congresswoman has laid out a forward-thinking vision for the United States and been an outspoken proponent of thoughtful American leadership at home and abroad.

Representative Kelly is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, was tapped to sit on the House Task Force on Community-Police Relations, and is the author of The 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America - the first-ever Congressional analysis of the nation's gun violence epidemic - and the 2015 Kelly Report on Health Disparities in America.

She lives in Matteson with her husband, Dr. Nathaniel Horn, and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan.

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Robin kelly.

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. House Illinois District 2

2013 - Present

Compensation

November 8, 2022

November 5, 2024

Bradley University, 1977

Bradley University, 1982

Northern Illinois University, 2004

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Robin Kelly ( Democratic Party ) is a member of the U.S. House , representing Illinois' 2nd Congressional District . She assumed office on April 11, 2013. Her current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Kelly ( Democratic Party ) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 2nd Congressional District . She is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024 . She advanced from the Democratic primary on March 19, 2024 .

Prior to her election to the U.S. House, Kelly served as the chief administrative officer of Cook County and was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives . [1] She graduated from Bradley University with a master's degree and received a doctorate in political science from Northern Illinois University.

At the beginning of the 115th Congress , Kelly was assigned to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform .

She was elected by Party leadership to serve as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party on March 3, 2021. [2]

• 1 Biography
• 3.1.1 2017-2018
• 3.1.2 2015-2016
• 3.1.3 2013-2014
• 4.1 Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023
• 4.2 Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress
• 4.3 Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023
• 4.4 Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020
• 4.5 Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018
• 4.6.1.1 Trade Act of 2015
• 4.6.1.2 Defense spending authorization
• 4.6.1.3 2016 Budget proposal
• 4.6.1.4 2015 budget
• 4.6.2.1 Iran nuclear deal
• 4.6.2.2 Export-Import Bank
• 4.6.3.1 USA FREEDOM Act of 2015
• 4.6.3.2 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
• 4.6.3.3 Cyber security
• 4.6.4 Immigration
• 4.7 113th Congress
• 4.8.1 DHS Appropriations
• 4.8.2 Keystone Pipeline Amendment
• 4.8.3 CISPA (2013)
• 4.9.1 Farm bill
• 4.9.2 2014 Budget
• 4.9.3 Government shutdown
• 4.10.1 Morton Memos Prohibition
• 4.11.1 Healthcare Reform Rules
• 4.11.2 Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act
• 4.12.1 Amash amendment
• 5.1.1 American response in Syria
• 5.2.1 Statement on government shutdown
• 5.3.1 SNAP challenge
• 6.1.1 Endorsements
• 6.7.1 Endorsements
• 8 Notable endorsements
• 9.1 FEC banned from fundraising (2021)
• 10 Campaign finance summary
• 11.1 PGI: Donation Concentration Metric
• 13.1 Ideology and leadership
• 13.2 Like-minded colleagues
• 13.3 Lifetime voting record
• 13.4.1 2013
• 13.5.1 2014
• 13.5.2 2013
• 14 Personal
• 15 See also
• 16 External links
• 17 Footnotes

Kelly earned her B.A. and M.A. from Bradley University in 1977 and 1982, respectively. [3] She received a doctorate in political science from Northern Illinois University in 2004. [4]

Below is an abbreviated outline of Kelly's academic, professional, and political career: [5]

• 2013-Present: U.S Representative from Illinois' 2nd Congressional District
• 2002-2006: Illinois House of Representatives

Committee assignments

Kelly was assigned to the following committees: [Source]

• Committee on Oversight and Accountability
• Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
• Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Communications and Technology
• Consumer Protection and Commerce

At the beginning of the 115th Congress , Kelly was assigned to the following committees: [6]

• Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Kelly served on the following committees: [7]

• Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
• Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere
• Subcommittee on Information Technology , Ranking Member
• Subcommittee on National Security

Kelly served on the following committees: [8] [9]

• Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here .

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, at which point Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes: 116th congress, 2019-2020.

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

Voted Yea on:  Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)

Voted Nay on:  Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))

Voted Nay on:  Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)

Voted Yea on:  Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)

Voted Nay on:  Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

Voted Nay on:  Kate's Law (HR 3004)

Voted Nay on:  No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

Voted Nay on:  American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

Voted Yea on:  Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)

Voted Yea on:  Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)

Voted Yea on:  Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)

Voted Nay on:  Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)

Voted Nay on:  Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)

Voted Yea on:  Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)

Voted Nay on:  The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

Voted Nay on:  Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

Voted Nay on:  Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)

Voted Nay on:  Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

Voted Nay on:  Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

Voted Nay on:  Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

Voted Nay on:  Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

Voted Nay on:  Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

Voted Yea on:  Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

Voted Nay on:  Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

Voted Yea on:  Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

Voted Yea on:  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)

Voted Nay on:  Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

Voted Yea on:  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

Voted Nay on:  Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

Voted Yea on:  Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

Voted Yea on:  Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

Voted Nay on:  Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

Voted Nay on:  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

Voted Yea on:  Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

114th Congress

The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. [84] [85] For more information pertaining to Kelly's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. [86]

Economic and fiscal

Trade act of 2015.

Defense spending authorization

2016 budget proposal, 2015 budget, foreign affairs, iran nuclear deal, export-import bank, usa freedom act of 2015, pain-capable unborn child protection act, cyber security, immigration, 113th congress.

The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. [127] For more information pertaining to Kelly's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. [128]

National security

Dhs appropriations, keystone pipeline amendment, cispa (2013), 2014 budget, government shutdown, morton memos prohibition, healthcare reform rules, keep the irs off your healthcare act, social issues, amash amendment, american response in syria.

On August 29, 2013, 53 House Democrats signed a letter written by California Rep. Barbara Lee that called for a congressional resolution on strikes and cautioned that the situation in Syria "should not draw us into an unwise war—especially without adhering to our constitutional requirements." [142] [143] The letter also called on the Obama administration to work with the U.N. Security Council “to build international consensus” condemning the alleged use of chemical weapons. Kelly was one of the 53 Democrats in the House to sign the letter. [142] [143]

Statement on government shutdown

Kelly released a statement on the shutdown: “Today, due to the irresponsible tactics of House Republicans, the federal government has shut down for the first time in 17 years. Let’s be clear: This shutdown is not about the Affordable Care Act. It’s about a faction of the Republican Party putting their extremist ideology ahead of the best interests of the American people. The shutdown will be devastating to our country’s fragile economic recovery. Millions of Americans will be left in limbo – federal employees who will be furloughed, veterans who will see their disability payments disrupted and small business owners whose loan applications will be delayed. These are the very real consequences of partisan game playing. We cannot and should not govern by ultimatum. Congress owes it to the American people to immediately pass a bi-partisan spending plan to re-open the government.” [144]

SNAP challenge

In June 2013, more than two dozen House Democrats , including Kelly, took part in a SNAP challenge, feeding themselves for a week on the average benefit level of a SNAP recipient. [145] Participants agreed to eat all meals from a limited food budget comparable to that of a SNAP participant, approximately $1.50 per meal, or $4.50 a day. [146]

See also:  Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2024

Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Republican primary)

Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2024 (March 19 Democratic primary)

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

General election for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Incumbent Robin Kelly and Ashley Ramos are running in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 5, 2024.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for u.s. house illinois district 2.

Incumbent Robin Kelly advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 19, 2024.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• John Curry (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for u.s. house illinois district 2.

Ashley Ramos advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 19, 2024.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here .

See also:  Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2022

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Thomas Lynch in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 8, 2022.

Incumbent Robin Kelly advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on June 28, 2022.

• Toni Brown (D)

Thomas Lynch defeated Shane Cultra and Ashley Ramos in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on June 28, 2022.

See also:  Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2020

Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2020 (March 17 Democratic primary)

Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2020 (March 17 Republican primary)

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Theresa Raborn in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 3, 2020.

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Marcus Lewis in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2020.

• John Morrow (D)

Theresa Raborn advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2020.

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated David Merkle in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 6, 2018.

Incumbent Robin Kelly defeated Marcus Lewis in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 20, 2018.

David Merkle defeated Patrick Harmon and John Morrow in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 20, 2018.

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Robin Kelly

• Chicago, IL
• Download Bio

U.S. Congresswoman (IL02)

United states congress, member since:, membership type:, non-resident.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families.  Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.

Congresswoman Kelly is a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee (the main policy-writing body of the House) and serves on the Health, Energy, and Consumer Protection and Commerce subcommittees. Her Energy and Commerce work is focused on expanding access to healthcare, consumer protection for American families and economic development.

She is also a Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and serves on the national security and civil rights and civil liberties subcommittees.

A staunch champion of common sense gun reforms and responsible community policing, Representative Kelly is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, was tapped to sit on the bipartisan Policing Strategies Working Group, and is the author of The 2014 Kelly Report on Gun Violence in America, the first-ever Congressional analysis of the nation’s gun violence epidemic that offers a blueprint for ending the crisis.

Committed to improving the health and wellness of vulnerable communities across the country, the Congresswoman serves as the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, and Co-Chairs the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. She also Co-Chairs the House Democratic Budget Group and Congressional Diversifying Technology Caucus.

Prior to her election to Congress, Kelly was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, served as Chief Administrative Officer of Cook County (the second largest county in the United States) and was Chief of Staff to Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias – becoming the first African American woman to serve as Chief of Staff to an elected constitutional statewide officeholder.

The daughter of a small business owner and postal worker, Congresswoman Kelly moved to Illinois after high school to attend Bradley University in Peoria, where she earned her B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in counseling. She later received a Ph.D. in political science from Northern Illinois University.  She lives in Matteson with her husband, Dr. Nathaniel Horn, and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan.

The Chicago Network

Rep. Robin Kelly announces bid for Democratic leadership position in U.S. House

Rep. Robin Kelly (2nd), who represents East Hyde Park in Congress, is running to be the Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, the sixth-highest-ranking position in the House majority.

"As a Black woman and Midwesterner, I will provide a unique voice in leadership discussions and serve as a visible reminder of our caucus's racial, gender and geographical diversity," Kelly wrote to her colleagues on Sept. 16, announcing her candidacy.

"I want to help each and every member — from the most vulnerable frontline freshman, to the safest most senior committee chair — to get the best for your constituents, advance our legislative agenda, and raise the bar for what the Democratic Caucus achieves in the 117th Congress," Kelly wrote. "I will place strong emphasis on member services and will support our caucus chair, our members and their staffs as we promote our message and invest in inclusive strategic narratives that amplify our voices and impact our districts."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) leads the chamber and her Democratic majority, aided by her floor leaders, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (Md.) and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (S.C.). Rep. Ben Ray Luján (N.M.) is assistant speaker, a position seen as a sort of "speaker-in-waiting," but he will leave the chamber in January because he is running for a Senate seat.

All Democratic representatives are members of the House Democratic Caucus, which approves committee assignments, caucus rules, enforces discipline and meets weekly to develop policy and legislative priorities. The incumbent caucus vice chair, suburban Boston Rep. Katharine Clark, is running for the assistant speaker position, opening the door for Kelly.

If elected, Kelly said she would focus on assisting the caucus chair, currently outer-borough Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), as well as on member services. Travel would become a more integral part of the job — in an interview, Kelly recounted how Jeffries and Clark braved last year's polar vortex to come to the 1st district to advice her staff during a retreat.

"I've always looked at myself as a servant-leader, I guess, and in my office … my joy comes from if we can get a constituent a benefit they deserve or solve a problem so that can be successful," she said. "I feel the same way about my colleagues I serve with everyday. We're doing all we can do so the colleagues are successful."

If she gets the job, she said, she and her staff would remain fully committed to solving constituent services.

In addition to work with rank-and-file Democratic representatives, Kelly noted that the position would enable her to work closely alongside Pelosi and other leaders to set the Democratic agenda.

"This moment in our nation's history demands that all of us look inward and ask ourselves what we have to offer and what we can do to leave this country better for generations to come," she wrote to her colleagues. "I am confident that the measure of my experience and my commitment to serving each and every one of you will help the Democratic Caucus of the 117th Congress be the change this nation so desperately needs."

Kelly said she began to think seriously about seeking a party leadership position earlier this year, pointing to her experience chairing the Congressional Black Caucus' Health Brain Trust, co-chairing the Democratic Policy Group, a moderate think tank, and vice-chairing Pelosi's Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce.

Additionally, Kelly founded and co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls and, on Sept. 14, introduced the bipartisan Protecting Black Women and Girls Act of 2020, which would establish an interagency task force to examine conditions of Black women and girls in education, economic development, health care, labor, employment, housing, civil rights and justice and address ways to mitigate harmful impacts therein.

Reached for comment, Rep. Bobby Rush (1st), who represents the rest of Hyde Park-Kenwood in the House, released a statement: "My friend Robin Kelly has had a very distinguished and highly productive congressional career. We serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee together, and she has been a highly regarded leader on multiple issues. She texted me this very morning to tell me she was running and saying she would be calling me in the next few days to discuss her candidacy."

Kelly will have opponents for the position: Inland Empire Rep. Pete Aguilar (Calif.) has already announced his candidacy for the vice chairmanship, and Albuquerque Rep. Deb Haaland (N.M.), a freshman, is expected to do so.

A New York City native, Kelly moved to Illinois to attend college and lives in south suburban Matteson. She previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives. She won a special election to the U.S. House in 2013. Her congressional district spans down the lakefront along the Indiana border through the suburbs and down to Kankakee.

Pelosi, Hoyer and Clyburn have held House Democrats' top three leadership positions since President George W. Bush was in office, and each are in their 80s. When the party re-took the House majority in 2018, the Associated Press reported that the three were "pledging to bring up the next generation of Democratic leaders" and acknowledging that "their time at the helm of the new House majority could be limited."

Asked about the prospect of even higher office, should vacancies arise at the top, Kelly replied, "How about this: one step at a time."

Read the original at the Hyde Park Herald .