Congresswoman Robin Kelly has represented the 2nd district of Illinois since 2013, and brings a vital perspective to Congress having also earned a PhD in Political Science from Northern Illinois University. Only three other political scientists currently serve in Congress, Representatives David Price, Dina Titus, and Henry Cuellar. Freshman Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux holds a PhD in Public Administration, and Rep. Mike Gallagher has a PhD in International Relations.

Kelly addressed the 2021 APSA Annual Meeting via pre-recorded remarks, reflecting on her experience in Congress. Her remarks highlighted the challenges of a polarized legislative body.

“Since coming to Congress following a special election in 2013, the past 18 months have represented some of the most challenging days of this job,” Kelly said. “As a nation, we have endured a global pandemic, which is showing no signs of stopping, the economic impacts of that pandemic, increased gun violence, and a national reckoning on police violence and systemic racism. The stakes of our decision making are very high, and compromise in the halls of Congress can be hard to come by.”

Kelly also makes clear that the events of January 6 changed how some members interact. “I was one of the Members stranded in the House gallery, on my hands and knees on the floor, hiding behind chairs as we listened to the insurrectionists screaming in the hallway and heard gunshots in the halls of the Capitol,” said Kelly. “Knowing that some Members incited this violence and gravely serious attack on our Capitol building and democracy has changed my perspective about working across the aisle. There are some Members who I will no longer consider working with because of their role in the January 6th attack. I know many of my Democratic colleagues feel the same way.”

Congresswoman Robin Kelly, courtesy of US House of Representatives.

The Congresswoman’s remarks also touch on her efforts to be responsive to her diverse constituency, and her leadership in caucuses and the Democratic party. The remarks will remain available for viewing on the APSA Annual Meeting platform.■