Sen. Chris Murphy Endorses Robin Kelly in Illinois Senate Race (Chicago, IL) – U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), one of the nation’s most prominent advocates for gun violence prevention, has endorsed Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) in her bid for the U.S. Senate.
Murphy, who worked closely with Kelly to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, credited her with playing a pivotal role in securing the first major federal gun safety legislation in three decades.
“Robin and I have worked together for years to make communities safer from gun violence,” Murphy said in a statement. “We would not have beaten the gun lobby and passed the first piece of gun safety legislation in over 30 years without her partnership and support. She’s exactly the kind of fighter Illinois needs, and I’m proud to endorse her for Senate.”
Kelly, who currently represents Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, welcomed the endorsement, calling Murphy both a colleague and mentor.
“From his courageous leadership to end gun violence in our country to his fearless commitment to defending our democratic institutions, Senator Murphy has set the tone for how Democrats should fight back for American families,” Kelly said. “I’m honored to have his unwavering support and look forward to continuing our work together in the Senate.”
Both lawmakers have made gun violence prevention central to their careers. Kelly serves as vice chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and has introduced more than 30 bills aimed at reducing gun deaths since taking office. Among her initiatives are the Prevent Gun Trafficking Act, the Wear Orange resolution honoring Chicago shooting victim Hadiya Pendleton, and efforts to secure federal funding for community violence intervention programs.
Murphy’s backing adds to a growing list of endorsements for Kelly, including Brady PAC, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Elect Democratic Women, and dozens of community leaders in Illinois.
Kelly is seeking to succeed Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who announced earlier this year she will not seek re-election.
Sen. Chris Murphy Endorses Robin Kelly in Illinois Senate Race
