McLean County Times

Former state representative Dan Brady has announced he is considering a run for the Illinois 17th Congressional District or the 88th District in the State House of Representatives.

Brady, who previously served in the state legislature for 20 years before an unsuccessful bid for Illinois Secretary of State, said that he will be discussing his options with voters, donors, and his family.

"I have been honored to serve the people as State Representative, first in the 88th legislative district, then the 105th legislative district,” Brady said in a press release, according to Capitol Fax. “As I continue to explore running for re-election in the newly drawn 88th district, I have also been exploring a run for Congress in the 17th Illinois Congressional district.” 

As he looks forward to finally deciding where he can offer his service "to do the greatest good" he also said that over the next few weeks, he will be meeting and discussing with voters, donors, and his family the options. In the meantime, he provided a brief record of his career.

“I have been successful in my public career because I believe in service to others, and not harsh partisan rhetoric, is what our State and Country need," Brady said. "As coroner, I helped to convict murderers, as State Representative I championed college M.A.P. Grants for working families, and as Deputy House Republican Leader I supported and was endorsed by labor and business. Being my own man has provided me the knowledge, experience and dedication needed to be an effective representative, whether in Springfield or Washington, DC.” 

Brady is exploring the possibility of running in the 17th Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Eric Sorensen, which Republicans view as a winnable district in 2024. He is also considering running for the 88th House District, which will be newly drawn and includes rural eastern McLean County, as the current representative, Dan Caulkins, has stated that he will not seek re-election, according to WGLT.

Another Republican candidate, Ray Estrada, has already announced his candidacy for the same district, emphasizing his non-political background and commitment to getting things done for the community, Shaw Local reported. Estrada, a Republican businessman and philanthropist from Galesburg, is a Nicaraguan refugee and president of a nonprofit foundation. He plans to focus on issues such as creating financial security, building safer communities, and supporting core institutions, emphasizing his commitment to providing relief and opportunities for families and those in need.

Brady’s loss in the Illinois Secretary of State race to Democrat Alexi Giannoulia was his first loss in the political arena but he expressed gratitude for the hard-fought campaign. He raised nearly $250,000 in funding but was outraised by Giannoulia's campaign.