U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) is the new leader of the Illinois Democratic Party. | Courtesy Photo
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) is the new leader of the Illinois Democratic Party. | Courtesy Photo
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Illinois) was appointed chair of the Illinois Democratic Party in March while receiving a critical endorsement from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois).
Durbin's support came after he initially backed Matteson's opponent, Chicago Alderwoman Michelle Harris, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Kelly beat Harris with 51.7% votes to Harris' 48.3%, the article said. Kelly is the first new Democratic Party chair in 23 years.
Durbin, fellow U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker all initially supported Harris before Durbin realized Kelly planned to make herself a candidate and switched to supporting Kelly, the Sun-Times reported.
Both Durbin and Duckworth agreed that now-former lawmaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) needed to be removed from the position as chair.
The state's longest-serving lawmaker, Madigan, has been implicated in a federal corruption probe allegedly involving a pay-for-play scheme. His resignation as party chair became official on Feb. 22.
Madigan also resigned from his legislative seat in February. In January, he was replaced as the House speaker in favor of Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside).
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