PEORIA - Within hours of embattled Congressman Aaron Schock announcing his resignation from representing the 18th CD Tuesday afternoon, State Senator Darin LaHood announced his bid for Congress and that he will be forming a federal campaign committee with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) Wednesday.
Schock said his resignation will take effect March 31st, and LaHood's press release said he will "soon" make a formal announcement. LaHood is currently serving in his fifth year as a Republican State Senator, and was elected without opposition in his last election.
"Since taking office, Senator LaHood has achieved a strong record as a leading fiscal conservative in Springfield," the announcement said. "He has been an outspoken advocate for creating a better business climate in Illinois to boost the state’s economy and create jobs for Illinoisans."
He is also one of the area's former Congressman Ray LaHood's sons.
From 2001-2006 LaHood served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was the lead prosecutor for the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program and then the Chief Terrorism prosecutor. Additionally, he has worked in both the Cook County and Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Offices. LaHood has also previously worked in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Legislative Assistant and then an Appropriations Committee Associate. He graduated from The John Marshall Law School and currently practices law with the Peoria law firm of Miller, Hall & Triggs.
Darin LaHood has been married to Kristen for 13 years and together they have three sons: McKay 12, Lucas 10, and Teddy who is 8 years old. The LaHood family resides in Dunlap which is in Peoria County.
Governor Rauner has until April 5th to set a date for a special election which must occur within 115 days. The seat will remain vacant until a special election is held.
Other Republican names that may enter the 18th CD race include State Senator Bill Brady, State Rep. Michael Unes, State Rep Dan Brady and former Congressman Bobby Schilling, who represented a sizable swath of the 18th CD before the boundaries were redrawn.
