Illinois State Senator Robert Peters has announced his candidacy for Congress in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District. Peters, a Democrat, aims to succeed current Congresswoman Robin Kelly.
Peters, who currently serves as Majority Whip and Chair of the Senate Labor Committee in the Illinois State Senate, has built a reputation as a champion for working people and a vocal opponent of the Trump agenda. Before his time in the state legislature, Peters was a community organizer, where he focused on criminal justice reform and workers’ rights.
“I’m running for Congress to take on the billionaires in charge of Washington and to build a government that delivers for the people,” Peters said in a statement.
Peters’ background is notable and has significantly shaped his political priorities. Born in Chicago in 1985, Peters’ early life was marked by challenges. His biological mother struggled with substance abuse, and Peters was raised by adoptive parents: a social worker and a civil rights lawyer. He was born deaf and with a speech impediment, regaining full hearing ability at age 8 and full speech capability at age 12. These experiences, combined with his upbringing in a family deeply involved in social justice, instilled in him a passion for advocacy and reform.
Peters attended Kansas State University, and his initial foray into electoral politics was during Toni Preckwinkle’s successful campaign for Cook County Board President in 2010. He later worked for organizations such as the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Chicago Votes, and Reclaim Chicago. Before his appointment to the State Senate, Peters was the political director for Reclaim Chicago and The People’s Lobby.
Peters was appointed to the Illinois State Senate to represent the 13th district in January 2019, replacing Kwame Raoul, who had been elected Illinois Attorney General. His district includes parts of Chicago’s South Side.
In the State Senate, Peters has been a prominent voice on a range of issues. His priorities have included investments in tourism, small business development, and education. He is a strong advocate for environmental, racial, and economic justice, and public safety. He also serves as the Chair of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus.
Notably, Peters has been a key figure in the push for criminal justice reform in Illinois, most prominently through his work on the SAFE-T Act. The SAFE-T Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to reform the criminal justice system in Illinois. A central component of the SAFE-T Act is the elimination of cash bail, a move designed to address disparities in the system where individuals are detained based on their financial resources rather than the risk they pose to the community. Peters has defended the SAFE-T Act against criticism, arguing that it is essential to create a more equitable system. He has also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of crime and investing in community-based solutions to promote public safety.
In his announcement, Peters reiterated his commitment to these issues. “We need to fundamentally rethink how we approach public safety. That means moving away from policies that have disproportionately harmed marginalized communities and investing in solutions that actually make our communities safer,” he stated.
Peters’ legislative record includes sponsoring bills that ban private civil detention centers, end “pay to stay” practices in correctional facilities, and expand access to SNAP benefits, preventive HIV treatment, and apprenticeships for youth. He has also focused on improving the Department of Children and Family Services.
Peters’ campaign is expected to focus on issues such as economic inequality, healthcare access, and climate change, in addition to his continued advocacy for criminal justice reform.