Robert Peters (Illinois politician)

Robert Peters
Member of the Illinois Senate
from the 13th district
Assumed office
January 6, 2019
Preceded byKwame Raoul
Personal details
Born (1985-04-26) April 26, 1985
PartyDemocratic
EducationKansas State University (BA)

Robert J. Peters (born April 26, 1985) is an American politician serving as a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate for the 13th district. The Chicago-based district, once represented by President Barack Obama, includes all or parts of East Side, Hyde Park, Kenwood, South Chicago, South Shore, and Woodlawn. Peters took office on January 6, 2019, after being appointed to succeed Kwame Raoul. He has since been elected in 2020 and again in 2024.

He served as the Senate Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus from 2021 to 2024 and has been the Majority Whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2025. He is a candidate in the Democratic primary for the 2026 election for Illinois' 2nd congressional district.