Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A top Republican in Illinois and a longtime attorney is the latest to throw his at into the ring for Dick Durbin’s seat in the U.S. Senate.

Don Tracy, currently head of the Illinois Republican Party, announced his candidacy Tuesday through a news release.  Unlike the major Democrat candidates for the office, he did not release any sort of a campaign video, but says he’ll be around the Illinois State Fair Thursday, which is Republican Day.

“Illinois working families need someone who will fight for them in Washington,” said Tracy, in the news release. “I’ve spent my career fighting for small businesses and working families, and I’m ready to take that fight to the US Senate.”

Tracy says he’s been a practicing attorney for nearly 50 years, and says it’s important to keep the Senate’s seat in downstate Illinois hands.  Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield resident, says he will not run again.  Tracy, also a resident of Springfield, is a native of Mount Sterling, married, and has four children and eight grandchildren.

“I will represent all of Illinois, not just Chicago,” said Tracy. “Too many of our politicians seem to forget Illinois has 102 counties, and the working families in every county deserve to have their voices heard. It’s the everyday Illinoisans who make up this state, and I will be proud to bring their voices to the halls of Congress.”

In addition to Tracy, there are several Democrats running, including Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robyn Kelly, and a few others.