After state Rep. Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) announced his retirement from the Illinois General Assembly at the end of this term, interest for his seat is brewing on both sides of the aisle.
Pekin Mayor Mark Luft is currently circulating petitions to run for the 91st District seat as a Republican. The seat covers large swaths of Tazewell, Peoria, and Fulton counties, including parts of Bartonville, Pekin, East Peoria, and Canton.
Luft hasn't yet returned our request for comment.
Tazewell County Democratic Central Committee Chair Brittany Miller said she's confident there will be a worthy Democratic candidate running for the seat, but declined to name a candidate, citing a potential primary race.
The district long leaned Democrat before Unes defeated then-Rep. Mike Smith (D-Canton) in 2010. Unes is taking a job with UnityPoint Health.
Unes' Senate counterpart, Democrat Dave Koehler, is running for another four-year term next year. He likely faces a challenge from Republican Tazewell County Treasurer Mary Burress.
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