THE FOLLOWING IS A CANDIDATE MARY CATHERINE ROBERSON RELEASE
DANVILLE, IL, Mar 25, 2026 — At noon on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in the building where Danville has lifted up its most vulnerable children for over a hundred years, U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly will stand alongside Danville native Mary Catherine Roberson and make it official: Roberson is the first Black woman ever nominated for Illinois House District 104 — and she is supported by one of one of the most barrier-breaking legislators in Illinois history.
The Laura Lee Fellowship House is a fitting and deliberate choice for this historic candidacy. Founded in 1915 by Danville community leader Laura E. Robinson — known as Laura Lee — the Fellowship House began in Lee’s own home when she stepped up to care for vulnerable children in the community who had no one else to care for them.
Over a century later, the institution she built still stands at 212 E. Williams Street, serving and standing in the gap for young people in need of a safe space to meet and to
organize. For Roberson, who serves on the board of directors and for whom the building has been a lifelong constant, announcing her general election campaign from inside it seemed like the only logical choice.
“Laura Lee Fellowship House was the backdrop of my childhood.” Roberson said. “My mother taught summer job programming here. My great Aunt Margaret Ward is a board member emeritus, having served on the board most of her adult life.”
She continued, “This is where I meet and work with young people to this day. Laura Lee built something here because she saw young people who needed someone in their corner. That’s the same reason I’m running.”
A Historic Nomination, Years in the Making
Roberson’s Democratic nomination for the 104th district seat is quietly historic — she is simply “MC” to the people she has spent her career serving. Yet, no Black woman has ever stood where she is standing. Roberson said she feels it’s important to recognize the progress made in bringing everyone to the table.
Congresswoman Kelly knows this story from the inside. She made history as the first Black woman to represent Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, filling the seat left by
Jesse Jackson Jr. before winning in her own right. Roberson has served on Kelly’s Congressional staff as Director of Constituent Services — learning, as Kelly has said,
“what it actually means to show up for people.”
“Mary Catherine doesn’t need to be told what this community needs,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “She has been in the middle of it her whole life. District 104 isn’t
sending a newcomer to Springfield. It’s sending someone who has been working for it since before there was a campaign.”
Scott Bennett’s Legacy, Carried Forward
State Senator Scott M. Bennett — who represented Illinois’ State Senate District 52 from 2015 until his death in December 2022 at age 45 — was a mentor and champion
for Roberson and for the kind of community-rooted Democratic politics she embodies. His widow, Dr. Stacy Bennett, who briefly succeeded him in the Senate, will deliver opening remarks at the event.
“Senator Bennett made space and opportunity for me when I was just finding my way in public service. He was the kind of leader who empowered and molded future leaders,” Roberson said. “He showed up for this district with everything he had. I intend to do the same.”
Injecting New Energy into District 104 Democrats
Roberson noted her campaign is explicitly about more than just winning a seat. “I have long believed that the power to change our communities begins with us,” she said. “I didn’t start by running for office. I started by showing up. I hope you will join me.”
She says the campaign is eager and excited to invite new energy and younger voices, while building a table that is big enough for everyone to have a seat.
About Mary Catherine Roberson
Mary Catherine Roberson is a Danville-raised community advocate, violence prevention organizer, and Director of Constituent Services for U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02). She has spent her career working at the intersection of public safety, economic justice, and community building — long before any campaign put her name on a sign.
About Congresswoman Robin Kelly
Congresswoman Robin Kelly has dedicated her career to public service as an advocate for Illinois families. Since being elected to serve the 2nd Congressional District in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.
