Kwame Raoul

The neutral encyclopedia of notable people
Revision as of 22:36, 24 February 2026 by Finley (talk | contribs) (Content engine: create biography for Kwame Raoul (2119 words))
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)



Kwame Raoul
Raoul in 2009
Kwame Raoul
Born30 9, 1964
BirthplaceChicago, Illinois, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationLawyer, politician
EducationDePaul University (BA)
Illinois Institute of Technology (JD)
Spouse(s)Lisa Moore
Children2

Kwame Raoul (Template:IPAc-en; born September 30, 1964) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 42nd Attorney General of Illinois since January 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Raoul was first appointed to the Illinois Senate in 2004 to fill the 13th district seat vacated by Barack Obama following Obama's election to the United States Senate. Raoul subsequently won election and reelection to the state senate seat, serving until 2019. During his tenure in the Illinois Senate, he held leadership positions including Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Criminal Law Committee.[1] As Attorney General, Raoul has led the state's legal efforts on consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and, in more recent years, a significant number of lawsuits challenging federal policies under the Trump administration, with Illinois participating in 51 such suits as of early 2026.[2] Born and raised in Chicago to parents of Haitian descent, Raoul's career has spanned private legal practice, state legislative service, and executive office, positioning him as a prominent figure in Illinois Democratic politics.

Early Life

Kwame Raoul was born on September 30, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois.[3] He is of Haitian descent, with his parents having emigrated from Haiti to the United States. Raoul grew up on the South Side of Chicago, where he was exposed to the intersection of community life and civic engagement that would shape his later career in public service.[3]

Raoul's upbringing in a Haitian-American household in Chicago provided him with a multicultural perspective. His family background and the challenges faced by immigrant communities in the city influenced his interest in law and public policy. Growing up in one of the nation's largest and most politically active cities, Raoul developed an early awareness of government and its impact on everyday life.[3]

Education

Raoul pursued his undergraduate education at DePaul University in Chicago, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[3] He then attended the Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree.[3][1] His legal education at Chicago-Kent prepared him for a career in both private practice and public service, equipping him with expertise in litigation and legislative policy that would prove central to his subsequent work in the Illinois Senate and as Attorney General.

Career

Early Legal Career

Following his legal education, Raoul entered the practice of law in Chicago. He built experience in both the private sector and in roles connected to public policy and governance. His legal career prior to entering politics provided him with a foundation in litigation and regulatory matters that informed his later legislative work.[3]

Illinois State Senate (2004–2019)

Raoul's entry into elected politics came in 2004, when he was appointed to represent the 13th district in the Illinois Senate. The seat had been vacated by Barack Obama, who won election to the United States Senate in November 2004.[4] The 13th district encompasses portions of Chicago's South Side, including the Hyde Park neighborhood, home to the University of Chicago.

Raoul won election to the seat in his own right and was subsequently reelected multiple times, serving in the Illinois Senate for nearly fifteen years. During his tenure, he rose to positions of significant legislative leadership. He served as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Vice Chair of the Senate Criminal Law Committee, roles that placed him at the center of major policy debates in the state.[1] He also served as a member of the Executive, Gaming, Insurance, and Public Health Committees.[5]

As a state senator, Raoul was involved in crafting and advancing legislation on a range of issues, including criminal justice reform, gun violence prevention, and healthcare policy. His committee assignments reflected his areas of expertise and interest, particularly in legal and judicial affairs.[6][7]

Raoul's legislative record in the Illinois Senate spanned multiple sessions of the General Assembly. Records from the Illinois General Assembly document his service from the 93rd through the 100th General Assemblies, reflecting a long and consistent presence in the chamber.[8][9][10]

Following Raoul's departure from the Illinois Senate to assume the office of Attorney General, Robert Peters was chosen to serve the remainder of Raoul's term representing the 13th district.[11]

2018 Attorney General Campaign

In September 2017, Raoul announced his candidacy for Attorney General of Illinois, seeking to succeed Lisa Madigan, who chose not to run for reelection.[12][13] The race drew considerable attention and fundraising, with the Chicago Tribune reporting on the significant sums of money raised by candidates in the contest.[14]

In the November 2018 general election, Raoul faced Republican candidate Erika Harold. He won the election, securing the office of Attorney General.[15] WGN-TV profiled both candidates during the campaign, outlining the contest to replace Madigan.[16]

Attorney General of Illinois (2019–present)

Raoul took office as the 42nd Attorney General of Illinois on January 14, 2019, succeeding Lisa Madigan.[15] He serves under Governor JB Pritzker. As Attorney General, Raoul has overseen the state's legal affairs, including consumer protection enforcement, civil rights litigation, and criminal justice initiatives.

Consumer Protection and Fraud Enforcement

In his capacity as Attorney General, Raoul has pursued cases involving fraud and consumer protection. In February 2026, his office obtained over $20,000 in restitution from a state employee, Rachel Jordan, who pleaded guilty to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud committed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chicago. The case was part of broader efforts by the Attorney General's office to address fraud associated with pandemic relief programs.[17]

Legal Challenges to Federal Policy

A defining aspect of Raoul's tenure as Attorney General, particularly following the return of Donald Trump to the presidency in January 2025, has been the filing and participation in numerous lawsuits challenging federal government actions. As of January 2026, Illinois had participated in 51 lawsuits against the Trump administration, covering issues ranging from ICE enforcement activities and National Guard deployments to disputes over federal government funding.[2]

In an interview with WTTW in January 2026, Raoul discussed the scope of the state's legal battles with the Trump administration, addressing topics including federal funding freezes and immigration enforcement policies.[18] Speaking with WGN-TV around the same period, Raoul described the fight against the Trump administration's agenda as "personal," reflecting the intensity of the legal confrontations between Illinois and the federal government.[19]

Education Funding

In February 2026, Raoul announced that he had helped secure an agreement with the Trump administration to protect $1.4 billion in education funding for Illinois. The agreement addressed concerns that federal funding for the state's educational institutions could be jeopardized, and was reported by WBEZ Chicago as a significant development in the ongoing disputes between Illinois and the federal government.[20]

Illinois Bivens Act Litigation

In December 2025, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Raoul, challenging the constitutionality of the Illinois Bivens Act. The federal lawsuit represented a notable instance of the Trump administration taking direct legal action against Illinois state officials.[21]

Public Engagement and Legal Community

Raoul has maintained an active public presence in discussing the role of the Attorney General's office. In February 2026, the American Constitution Society hosted a conversation with Raoul covering his career, the role of the Attorney General's office, and broader legal issues.[22] He has also responded to candidate questionnaires from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, addressing topics related to civil liberties and the role of the Attorney General in protecting constitutional rights.[23]

Personal Life

Raoul is married to Lisa Moore. The couple has two children.[24] Raoul resides in Chicago, Illinois, where he has lived for most of his life. He is of Haitian descent, and his family's immigrant background has been noted as an influence on his approach to public service and policy, particularly with regard to immigration issues.[19]

Legacy

Kwame Raoul's career is notable for several reasons within the context of Illinois politics. He is the successor to Barack Obama's Illinois Senate seat, a distinction that placed him in a position of visibility from the outset of his political career. His fifteen years in the Illinois Senate, during which he chaired the Judiciary Committee and served as Vice Chair of the Criminal Law Committee, established him as a legislative leader on issues of criminal justice and judicial policy.[1]

As Attorney General, Raoul has led Illinois through a period of significant legal conflict with the federal government. The 51 lawsuits filed or joined against the Trump administration as of early 2026 represent one of the most active periods of state-federal legal confrontation in Illinois history.[2] His work in securing the agreement to protect $1.4 billion in education funding demonstrated the Attorney General's office as a mechanism for defending state interests in federal disputes.[20]

Raoul's background as a Haitian-American from Chicago's South Side, combined with his legal education and lengthy legislative career, has made him a notable figure in the state's Democratic Party. His trajectory from an appointed state senator filling Barack Obama's seat to a statewide elected official leading major litigation efforts reflects the evolution of his role in Illinois public life.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Senator Kwame Raoul".Illinois General Assembly.http://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=100&MemberID=2340.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Attorney General Kwame Raoul: Illinois has sued the Trump administration 51 times".Illinois Public Media.https://will.illinois.edu/21stshow/story/attorney-general-kwame-raoul-illinois-has-sued-the-trump-administration-51-times.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Kwame Raoul Biography".kwameraoul.com (archived).https://web.archive.org/web/20130218160926/http://www.kwameraoul.com/kwame_bio.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "Illinois Political Landscape".The New York Times.2008-12-12.https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/12/us/politics/12illinois.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "Senator Kwame Raoul — 98th General Assembly".Illinois General Assembly.http://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=98&MemberID=1917.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Senator Kwame Raoul — 97th General Assembly".Illinois General Assembly.http://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=97&MemberID=1703.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Senator Kwame Raoul — 96th General Assembly".Illinois General Assembly.http://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=96&MemberID=1496.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Senator Kwame Raoul — 93rd General Assembly".Illinois General Assembly.http://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=93&MemberID=1091.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Senator Kwame Raoul — 94th General Assembly".Illinois General Assembly.http://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=94&MemberID=1105.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Senator Kwame Raoul — 95th General Assembly".Illinois General Assembly.http://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=95&MemberID=1297.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Robert Peters chosen to finish Kwame Raoul's term in Illinois Senate".Chicago Sun-Times.https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/robert-peters-chosen-finish-kwame-raouls-term-illinois-senate/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "State Sen. Raoul to run for Illinois attorney general".Chicago Tribune.2017-09-20.http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-kwame-raoul-attorney-general-met-0921-20170920-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "State Sen. Raoul to Run for Illinois Attorney General in 2018".U.S. News & World Report.2017-09-20.https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/illinois/articles/2017-09-20/state-sen-raoul-to-run-for-illinois-attorney-general-in-2018.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Illinois attorney general candidates raise significant cash".Chicago Tribune.2018-01-03.http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-illinois-attorney-general-cash-20180103-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Democrat Kwame Raoul defeats Republican Erika Harold in Illinois attorney general race".Chicago Tribune.2018-11-06.https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/elections/ct-met-illinois-attorney-general-kwame-raoul-erika-harold-20181106-story.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "The race to replace Lisa Madigan: Meet the attorney general candidates".WGN-TV.2018-10-26.https://wgntv.com/2018/10/26/the-race-to-replace-lisa-madigan-meet-the-attorney-general-candidates/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Attorney General Raoul Obtains Restitution From State Employee Who Pleaded Guilty To PPP Loan Fraud".RiverBender.com.2026-02-24.https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/attorney-general-raoul-obtains-restitution-from-state-employee-who-pleaded-guilty-to-ppp-loan-fraud-91054.cfm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul on State's Legal Battles, Immigration Enforcement".WTTW.2026-01-14.https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/14/illinois-attorney-general-kwame-raoul-legal-battles-immigration-enforcement.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says Trump agenda fight is 'personal'".WGN-TV.2026-01-28.https://wgntv.com/news/politics/wgn-the-point-politics-chicago-illinois/illinois-attorney-general-kwame-raoul-says-trump-agenda-fight-is-personal/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Illinois attorney general reaches agreement to protect $1.4 billion in education funding".WBEZ Chicago.2026-02-11.https://www.wbez.org/education/2026/02/11/illinois-attorney-general-makes-deal-protecting-education-funding.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Justice Department Sues J.B. Pritzker, Kwame Raoul Over the Illinois Bivens Act".United States Department of Justice.2025-12-22.https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-jb-pritzker-kwame-raoul-over-illinois-bivens-act.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "ACS Presents: A Conversation with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul".American Constitution Society.https://www.acslaw.org/event/acs-presents-a-conversation-with-illinois-attorney-general-kwame-raoul/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Attorney General Candidate Questionnaire: Kwame Raoul's Answers".ACLU of Illinois.https://www.aclu-il.org/attorney-general-candidate-questionnaire-kwame-raouls-answers/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "AG candidate tweets out engagement announcement".Capitol Fax.2018-09-24.https://capitolfax.com/2018/09/24/ag-candidate-tweets-out-engagement-announcement/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

Retrieved from "https://biography.wiki/index.php?title=Kwame_Raoul&oldid=2445"