SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) was sworn in to the Illinois Senate on Sunday, Jan. 6, to fill the seat vacated by Attorney General-elect Kwame Raoul.

Peters is a political activist born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He was born deaf and with a speech impediment, to a biological mother who was addicted to drugs and alcohol. He credits his experience being raised by his adopted mother, a social worker, and father, a civil rights lawyer, for his passion for public service.

“Growing up wasn’t the easiest, but I was very lucky to have an amazing public school and community to help me develop,” Peters, 33, said. “The people who brought me into the world helped shape me.”