Political Scientist, Journalist, and Progressive Commentator
Conor Kelly, M.A. | Naperville, IL
Conor Kelly is a political scientist, writer, activist, and the founder of The Progressive American Report, a political commentary and interview show focused on American politics and democratic institutions. Through interviews with historians, journalists, and policy experts, his work examines the historical and institutional forces shaping contemporary political debates in the United States and abroad. Through these interviews, he doesn’t simply react to the news; he works to contextualize it.
Conor Kelly is a political scientist, writer, activist, and the founder of The Progressive American Report, a political commentary and interview show focused on American politics and democratic institutions. Through interviews with historians, journalists, and policy experts, his work examines the historical and institutional forces shaping contemporary political debates in the United States and abroad. Through these interviews, he doesn’t simply react to the news; he works to contextualize it.
Work Experience
Political Canvassing & Campaigns
Political Canvasser/Petitioner — Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus / Sen. Laura Ellman (Aug 2025 – Current)• Political Canvasser — All United PAC (Mar 2025 – Apr 2025)
• Fellow — Progressive Turnout Project / Casten for Congress (Sep 2024 – Nov 2024)
• Campus Organizer — Warren for President (Dec 2019 – Feb 2020)
Media & Communications
• Video Editor & Researcher — The Collins Law Firm (Apr 2024 – Nov 2024)• Creator & Host — The Progressive American Report (Ongoing)
• Opinion Editor — The Lorian
• Staff Writer — UIS Observer (Sep 2021 – Dec 2022)