News: Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) intends to run for House Democratic Caucus vice chair if Democrats win the House, according to a source familiar with Kelly’s plans.
Major disclaimer: The vice chair position only becomes open if Democrats win the majority on Election Day. In that case, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar would run for majority whip and current Vice Chair Ted Lieu would run for caucus chair.
Kelly is aiming to be just the second Black woman elected to House Democratic leadership since former Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.), a major selling point for her candidacy. In 2022, DPCC co-chair Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) broke the decades-long drought of no Black women in elected House Democratic leadership.
As Black women reliably form the core of the Democratic base, the lack of visibility in Democratic congressional leadership is striking.
Kelly would also provide a Midwestern perspective at the leadership table largely dominated by Democrats from the Northeast and California.
Since first winning election to the House in 2013, Kelly has prioritized improving maternal health care and combating gun violence. Back in November 2020, Kelly ran for caucus vice chair and lost to Aguilar.
Kelly has been active this cycle campaigning for Democrats nationwide. In Milwaukee, Kelly rallied with Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) to get out the vote in August. Last month, Kelly participated in Black voter outreach events in Florida and Virginia. Kelly has also rallied alongside Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) in her Senate race.
The Illinois Democrat also is organizing a trip this month to Omaha to boost Democrat Tony Vargas in his campaign against Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.).
Contender watch: Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), currently the leadership representative for members who have served five terms or fewer, will also run for vice chair in the event Democrats win the House. Jacobs is 35 and from the massive Democratic stronghold of California, which could make for an interesting and competitive race.
