Hoffman to Forgo Congressional Run, Seek Illinois House Seat

A former state lawmaker says he'll forgo a run for Congress and attempt a return to the legislature instead.

In a statement issued late Thursday night, Democrat Jay Hoffman announced he would run for State Representative in the new 113th district. Hoffman had already announced a run for Congress' new 13th district in an attempt to unseat Urbana Republican Tim Johnson. But now Hoffman says a run for the Illinois House gives him the best opportunity to advocate for the issues he cares about most passionately, including capital construction, education, and economic development.

The Belleville News Democrat reports the St. Clair County Democratic Party is endorsing Hoffman for the 113th district seat. Democrat Tom Holbrook quit the seat Monday in order to become chair of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

Hoffman says running for the legislature allows him to serve the community where he grew up, and the people he knows best.