State Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) has been campaigning for Illinois treasurer for the better part of a year. He's insisted he was just "exploring" a run for statewide office.
Frerichs is going on a four-city tour to formally launch his campaign. This, after months of glad-handing and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
And after he's already made it on the ballot to run for treasurer.
Campaign manager Zach Koutsky says voters are just starting to pay attention.
"But it's also just a good opportunity to get some free press and earned media and to get out there and talk about what you want to do with the office and how you differ from your opponent," Koutsky said.
Frerichs has no opponent in the primary. But two men are competing to be the Republican nominee: former House minority leader Tom Cross, and DuPage County Auditor Bob Grogan.
Both men have long officially been in the race.