Congresswoman Bustos Not Running For Governor In 2018
Rep.-elect Cheri Bustos D-Ill. is seen on stage during a news conference with newly elected Democratic House members, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press
Democratic U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos says she won't run for Illinois governor in 2018. In a statement Monday, Bustos says she decided staying in Congress is "the best way for me to continue getting real results for working families across the heartland." The East Moline Democrat had said publicly for months that she was considering challenging Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.
Bustos said she now has an opportunity to join the U.S. House Democratic House leadership - as only Midwesterner in that role.
“And with that comes the responsibility to serve as a voice for hardworking families from the heartland who feel like they’ve been left behind," she said. "With my new leadership responsibilities, I have determined the best way for me to continue getting results for hardworking families across the heartland is by serving in Congress.”
Bustos says Midwestern families are suffering because of "failure and dysfunction" in both Springfield and Washington, but she believes she can make the greatest difference by staying in Congress.
She said Monday she looks forward to "actively campaigning" to elect a Democratic governor.
Two Democrats already have announced they're running. They are businessman Chris Kennedy and Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar.
Bustos represents the 17th Congressional District, which comprises a swath of western and northern Illinois.