Senator representing Princeton is making a bid for Congress

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) – State Sen. Darin LaHood has announced his candidacy for U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock’s soon-to-be-vacant congressional seat.

The Republican from Dunlap made the announcement Wednesday morning. LaHood says he has received “a lot of encouragement” to run and that he’ll campaign on his state Senate record, which includes being a strong advocate for ethics reform.

LaHood has served in the Senate since 2011. His father is former U.S. Transportation Secretary and Congressman Ray LaHood, who preceded Schock in Congress.

A special election will be held to replace Schock. State Sen. Jason Barickman of Bloomington is also considering a bid for Schock’s seat.