The first Republican candidate to file for a congressional district in central and northern Illinois in the 2024 election is dropping out of the race.
Ray Estrada, a Galesburg businessman, said in an email he's postponing his campaign for the 17th Congressional District.
“It saddens me to withdraw from the race, but after careful consideration and discussions with my family, I feel the timing is wrong for my candidacy this election cycle and I have decided to postpone my campaign for Congress in the 17th Congressional District in Illinois to focus my time on my family and my philanthropic endeavors,” Estrada said.
First-term Democrat Eric Sorensen was elected to the seat last year.
The only other Republican candidate who has announced a bid for the 17th Congressional District in next year's election is retired circuit court judge Joe McGraw from the Rockford area.
Longtime state legislator Dan Brady of Bloomington explored a run for that congressional seal, but decided against it.
The 17th Congressional District stretches from Bloomington-Normal west to the Quad Cities and north to Rockford.
