Senator Robert Peters

Robert Peters’ journey to the Illinois Senate is deeply shaped by resilience and advocacy. Born deaf and with a significant speech impediment, Peters was adopted by a social worker and a civil rights lawyer who instilled in him a commitment to fairness, dignity, and justice. Growing up, he saw firsthand the devastation caused by the war on drugs and systemic inequities in policing and addiction policy—experiences that would later drive his fight for reform.

After earning his degree in Social Sciences from Kansas State University, Peters entered adulthood during the Great Recession, struggling to find stable work while also grieving the loss of both parents within 18 months. These challenges reinforced his determination to confront the barriers facing working families, young people, and communities of color across Illinois.

Since his election to the State Senate, Peters has emerged as a leading voice for transformative justice. He was instrumental in ending cash bail in Illinois—the first state in the nation to do so—after years of organizing for change. As Chair of the Senate Labor Committee, he has championed stronger workplace protections for Black and Latino temporary workers, expanded investment in small businesses and tourism, and advanced policies to strengthen education and economic opportunity.

At the core of Peters’ work is a vision of public safety rooted not in punishment, but in community wellness, racial equity, and economic security. His legislative agenda reflects his belief that true justice comes from ensuring every Illinoisan has the freedom to live safely, thrive economically, and breathe clean air in a just environment.