Duckworth Makes Video Announcement, Challenging Sen. Kirk For 2016 Senate Bid
Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., speaks during former Gov. Pat Quinn's election night reception on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)
Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois says she'll run for U.S. Senate in 2016, setting up a high-profile challenge to Republican Sen. Mark Kirk's re-election bid.
In a video posted Monday on her campaign website, Duckworth says it's time for "Washington to be held accountable.''
Duckworth is serving a second term in Illinois' 8th District, which covers suburbs west and northwest of Chicago. The Iraq War veteran and double amputee was elected to the House in 2012.
Kirk is in his first term and intends to focus his campaign in part on his recovery from a stroke.
Illinois is Democrat-friendly territory, and Duckworth's campaign could represent one of the best chances for Democrats nationwide to pick up a seat as they try to regain Senate control.
UPDATE - U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos says she's decided not to challenge Republican Mark Kirk for his U.S. Senate seat.
Bustos had been mulling a run, but said Monday that she won't run now that Duckworth is in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Bustos says she's not formally endorsing anyone yet, but praised Duckworth's record and called her a "strong fighter for working men and women and veterans.''
Other Democrats who've indicated interest in running in 2016 include U.S. Reps. Bill Foster and Robin Kelly.