More Illinois politicians are eyeing Aaron Schock’s congressional seat after he leaves office next week.
Republican former state representative Jil Tracy of Quincy is one of them. She served eight years in the legislature before making a failed bid for Lieutenant Governor last year.
Tracy says she has experience with her family’s business, DOT foods, and would bring business savvy to the Congressional seat.
“I think what we need to see in central Illinois are good economic growth and we see some businesses closing and the like and as a state representative that’s what I worked for tirelessly is better employment opportunities for the people of Illinois.”
Tracy says she wants to see the populations in rural counties rebound. She says infrastructure and education are her two other priorities.
Tracy plans to announce whether she intends to run after Gov. Bruce Rauner sets the timeline for the special election.
State Senator Darin LaHood of Dunlap is the only candidate to formally announce he’s running. He currently represents five of the district’s 19 counties at the state level.
LaHood says if elected, he would look to improve infrastructure and transportation, economic growth and promote the region’s largest industry.
“So, how do we look at our [agriculture] policy to promote farmers and the commodities in this district? I think that’s very, very important, whether it’s the South Korea free trade agreement or other trade agreements.”
Democratic State Senator John Sullivan of Rushville is considering whether to run for the seat. He says he expects to decide within the next couple of weeks.
- WIUM's Emily Boyer contributed to this report.