Chicago businessman and former University of Illinois Board of Trustees Chairman Chris Kennedy will join the Democratic race for Illinois Governor, and will file paperwork with the state later Wednesday. Kennedy made the announcement with a campaign website and annoucement on YouTube. The son of the late U.S. Sen. Robert Kennedy says in a statement that he loves Illinois and the state has "never been in worse shape.'' He says state government needs "fundamental change.''

Chris Kennedy’s introduction to the media as a potential candidate for Illinois governor in 2018 got off to a rocky start at the Democratic National Convention. After a speech in which he criticized Governor Bruce Rauner, the former chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees attempted to rush past reporters, and would not answer questions about possibly running for governor himself in 2018.