Sec. Of State White To Announce Re-Election Bid

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is making it official. He plans to announce he is seeking a fifth term in office.

The Chicago Democrat is scheduled to announce his re-election bid Thursday morning at a downtown Chicago hotel. Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to attend.

After the morning event, White is heading to Springfield for a similar announcement in the afternoon.

The 79-year-old has easily won his previous elections, meaning any Republican challenger would have a difficult time beating White. White served as a state representative for 16 years and as Cook County recorder of deeds.

He's also known for the Jesse White Tumbling Team, a gymnastics group he founded for children living in public housing. He still performs with the group.