State Rep. Dan Brady of Bloomington said he's still doing his "homework" on a possible run for Illinois Secretary of State next year.
Brady said a news report indicating he already had decided, and was telling fellow Republicans he will seek the statewide office was incorrect.
Brady said he is considering running because he sees a chance for Republicans to take over a key statewide office. Democrat Jesse White has said he won't seek re-election after six terms.
“I’m exploring this because of the opportunity that is afforded for someone from the Republican side, to have an opportunity that has not appeared to have been there before,” Brady said.
The Democratic field is still taking shape. Announced Democratic candidates include former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia.
Brady added the state's new political maps had no impact on his decision to explore statewide office. Illinois Republicans were highly critical of how Illinois Democratscrafted the maps to try to help their party increase their legislative majorities.
Brady said the 105th House District he represents now seems favorable to him should he decide to run for a 12th term next year. Brady has served in the Illinois House since 2001.
Brady said he's talking to family, colleagues and supporters about a possible run for Secretary of State. The primary will be in June 2022.
Brady said he's also drawn to the office by its direct impact on Illinoisans.
“It’s probably the No. 1 office that touches people’s lives in the state of Illinois directly,” Brady said. “It’s much more than just license renewals.”
Brady noted the office also oversees vehicle registration and the state's libraries. It also manages the state's records and its organ donor registry.
Brady said he has worked with the Secretary of State's office on several bills, most recently one that enables seniors to get discounts on their auto insurance through a defensive drivers course.
Bill Brady’s future
Another longtime state legislator from Bloomington, Bill Brady, hasn't said whether he plans to seek another office since leaving his leadership post in the Illinois Senate in January.
Bill Brady previously ran for governor three times. The real estate agent and developer has hinted at another run for political office.
