State Sen. LaHood announces he'll seek Schock's seat

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood has announced his candidacy for U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock's soon-to-be-vacant congressional seat.

The Republican from Dunlap made the announcement Wednesday on WMBD radio in Peoria.

LaHood says he has received "a lot of encouragement" to run and that he'll campaign on his state Senate record, which includes being a strong advocate for ethics reform.

LaHood has served in the Senate since 2011. His father is former U.S. Transportation Secretary and Congressman Ray LaHood, who preceded Schock in Congress.

A special election will be held to replace Schock, who announced Tuesday will resign at the end of the month.

Two other GOP state senators - Jason Barickman and Bill Brady - had been considering bids but said Wednesday they won't run.