Bernie Sanders endorses Robert Peters for Congress (Chicago, IL) – (May 14, 2025) – Senator Bernie Sanders announced his endorsement of Robert Peters for Congress in Illinois’ 2nd District on Wednesday.
“I am proud to support Robert Peters in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, a principled leader and organizer with a record of winning big progressive policy fights. I know he’ll be ready to do battle alongside me as we take on big money in politics and save our democracy from the billionaires trying to tear it down,” said Sen. Sanders. “Together, we’ll not only block Republican efforts to cut Medicaid and Medicare, but we’ll keep pushing for Medicare for All, because Robert shares my fundamental belief that health care is a human right. Right now, we need bold voices in Congress who will stand up to Trump and his wrecking crew, and I am confident that Robert is ready for the fight.”
“I am humbled to be endorsed by Sen. Sanders, who is a hero of mine,” said Peters. “Bernie is unfailing in his clarity about what this moment requires as we fight for the very future of our country, and I can’t wait to learn from him and work alongside him in Washington to take on corporate greed, lower costs for working people, and make our government work for everyone.”
State Senator Peters announced his candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, after incumbent Rep. Robin Kelly launched her campaign for U.S. Senate.
About Robert Peters:
Robert Peters is running for Congress to bring bold, progressive leadership to Washington on behalf of the communities of Illinois’ 2nd District.
In the Illinois Senate, Robert has established himself as a highly effective legislator, chairing the Public Safety Committee, the Labor Committee and, previously, the Senate Black Caucus. Robert has passed dozens of standalone bills and co-sponsored hundreds of others. Robert helped reform the broken bail system in Illinois in favor of more equitable and data-driven approaches, and championed policies that will help Illinois’ hardworking families succeed like raising the minimum wage, expanding workplace protections, and investing in affordable housing.
In 2019, Robert was a co-sponsor of the Reproductive Health Act, ensuring abortion rights in Illinois were protected after the Trump Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. In 2024, Robert helped lead the charge in the State Senate to pass the Illinois Healthcare Protection Act, which made healthcare more affordable by placing checks on the predatory practices of big insurance companies and expanding mental health services. In Congress, Robert will continue this fight to make sure communities across the 2nd District have good schools, good-paying jobs, and a fair criminal justice system that keeps their neighborhoods safe.
A state senator and community organizer, Robert’s commitment to fighting for justice for all is rooted in his own story. Born hard of hearing in Chicago to a woman who suffered from a substance abuse disorder, Robert was raised on the South Side by adoptive parents, Cynthia, a social worker, and Tom, a civil rights attorney. Tom and Cynthia made sure he received the medical care and therapy he needed to gain his hearing and improve his speech, which had suffered as a young child.
While Tom and Cynthia both died when Robert was a young adult, they continue to inspire his passion for criminal justice reform and ground him in knowing that the most valuable work he can do is standing up for others.
Before becoming senator, Robert was a community organizer with advocacy organization Chicago Votes, engaging and activating young voters to expand voting rights and access. He worked for economic justice organizations Reclaim Chicago and The People’s Lobby, advocating for the needs of working-class families. Robert’s work on behalf of thousands of struggling families and workers earned him the notice of Illinois leaders. When State Senator Kwame Raoul was elected attorney general in 2018, Robert filled that vacant state senate seat — a seat previously held by President Obama.
Robert graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences from Kansas State University.
Robert lives on the South Side, just blocks from where he grew up, with his wife, Grace, a nonprofit leader. Robert is a die-hard motorsports fan and follows both NASCAR and IndyCar races. Today, Robert’s Jewish faith guides him in his commitment to social justice and he is an active member of KAM Isaiah Israel synagogue.
Bernie Sanders endorses Robert Peters for Congress
