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Robert Palmer

DemocraticFirst-time candidate

Teacher

Robert Palmer ran for U.S. House Illinois District 1 in 2026. This is their first run for office.

From the candidate’s public filings

Background

Robert Palmer was born in Chicago, Illinois. He earned an associate degree from Kennedy-King College in 2010, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Roosevelt University in 2011, and a graduate degree from National Louis University in 2021. His career experience includes working as a teacher, a special education classroom assistant, a licensed substitute teacher, a managing real estate broker, an actor, and a producer.

Palmer has been affiliated with the Chicago Teacher Union, SEIU local 73, the National Association of Realtors, the Illinois Association of Realtors, the Chicago Association of Realtors, the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Service Employees International Union, and the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.[1][2]

Graduate:
National Louis University, 2021
Associates:
Kennedy-King College, 2010
Bachelor's:
Roosevelt University, 2011

Campaign money

Raised
—
From individuals
$0
From PACs & party
$0
Own money
—

FEC filings.

View on FEC.gov(opens in new tab)

Campaign themes

Robert Palmer did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Chicago Public School Teacher, I have taught physical education, health, and just became a Special Education Teacher on the high school level. I hold several endorsements such as Elementary Education, LBS1 Special Education and a Physical Education approval. I hold a Masters of Arts in Teaching Degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University (2021), a BPS Degree in Psychology from Roosevelt University, (2011) a Graduate Credential in Commercial Real Estate from Roosevelt University (2013) and an Associates Degree in General Studies from Kennedy King College (2010). I am a member of the Chicago Teachers Union, SAG/AFTRA, the National, Illinois, and Chicago Associations of Realtors. I am a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I have been a Baseball, Football and Special Olympics Coach. I am a Member of the Local School Council as a Teacher Rep. I am a Managing Real Estate Broker, I produced a SAG/AFTRA short film. I filed a successful lawsuit to reverse some red light/speed zone tickets. I am an advocate for fair and affordable housing, I support Reparations for African -Americans. I support mentorship, economical and educational opportunities for youth and adults. Safe streets and public transportation is a must. I am an advocate for investing in Mental Health centers for the community and an advocate for home ownership.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Business Mentorship, Educational and Economic opportunities for youth and adults, to help eliminates crime and povertyFair and affordable housing and a path to home ownership for residentsSafe streets and public transportation. Bring healthy grocery stores and eliminate food deserts.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Community based policing where officers should relate to community and get to know the citizens and community that they patrol.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

Connecting with neighborhood services. Voting on city ordinances.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King for their commitment to service and putting their lives on the line for what they believed in.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Discipline and Loyalty

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Connect community with services. Vote on ordinances

What legacy would you like to leave?

I did my best and got things accomplished.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Events of 1968

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Paper route. 1 year

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Autobiography of Malcolm X because of his candor and overcoming challenges.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Hawk, Avery Brooks, because he was cool.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Star by Earth Wind and Fire.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Giving many chances to people.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Don't hesitate or be afraid to contact the Alderman's office if you y

need services or information.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Not necessarily.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

ability to relate

Tell us your favorite joke.

What Church do you go to. Churches chicken

Robert Palmer did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a neighborhood activist, a 12 year employee of Chicago Public Schools, currently in the diverse learners department as well as a Special Olympics Coach and Asst. Baseball Coach! I hold a BPS in Psychology from Roosevelt University and matriculating a Masters in Elementary Education expected June, 2020 from National Louis University. I am an Illinois Managing Real Estate Broker, a recent film producer, Member of SAG/AFTRA, as well as the Father of two Children. I grew up in Englewood, and want to see the community flourish and improve to its potential!

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Opportunities for community citizens.Taking charge in our community and making it safe, and willing to put my life on the line on the front line!Increasing African-American Political Empowerment

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I want to see an open and fair Government, Fairness in business and employment opportunities, More officers of color policing our own neighborhoods and developing a more friendly relationship with the citizens. Safety in the community and improved community involvement.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and My Father, they all were family men and Malcolm and Martin were willing to put their lives on the line for the betterment of our community!

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Miseducation of the Negro, by Carter G. Woodson, and The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Courageousness, Compassion and be Innovative.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty, integrity, Leadership and Courage

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listening to their constituents. Be a Fiduciary for the community.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Million Man March, it was very surreal! I was 34 years old

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Hawk! (Avery Brooks)

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Bills can be introduce, policy can be positively influenced.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No, politics are of the people for the people and experienced or professional politicians are sometimes coopted and no longer serve the needs of the people or their constituents.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Entrenched and systemic racism is still a major problem in America, as well as a lack of opportunities, and lack of quality education and fair housing for people of color!

On the 2026 ballot

Links

Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026 and FEC filings.

Source(opens in new tab)