Darin LaHood Running For Schock’s Seat; Barickman & Bill Brady Decline

Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood has announced his candidacy for U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock's soon-to-be-vacant congressional seat.

The Republican from the Peoria suburb of Dunlap made the announcement Wednesday morning on WMBD radio in Peoria.

LaHood says he has received "a lot encouragement" to run and that he'll campaign on his state Senate record, which includes being a strong advocate for ethics reform.

LaHood has served in the Illinois Senate since 2011. His father is former U.S. Transportation Secretary and Congressman Ray LaHood, who preceded Schock in Congress.

A special election will be held to replace Schock, who announced Tuesday he will resign at the end of the month.

Republican State Senators Jason Barickman and Bill Brady, both of Bloomington, were also considering bids for Schock's seat, but both announced Wednesday morning they would not run.

Barickman said that he declined a bid for Congress, because “the needs of my young family and the desperate fiscal situation in Illinois state government are paramount”.

And Brady said that while he was flattered by those who urged him to run, “I have decided, however, to remain in the Illinois Senate at the current time because of my business interests and my wish to help Governor Rauner resolve the many challenges Illinois faces.” He said he might consider similar opportunities if they arise in the future.