Freeport mayor announces run for Congress

FREEPORT — Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp is running for Congress.

The Journal-Standard reports that Gaulrapp announced his candidacy during the annual Ag Breakfast at the Stephenson County fairgrounds in Freeport on Saturday.

It isn't the Democrat's first run for Congress. He lost to Republican Congressman Don Manzullo last year in the race for the 16th District. But he'll now be running in the redrawn 17th District, which now includes Freeport and the surrounding area.

Republican Congressman Bobby Schilling of Colona is the incumbent in the 17th District. State Sen. Dave Koehler also has announced plans to run for that seat.