Hastings ends bid for Illinois Secretary of State office

The field of Democrats seeking to succeed outgoing Secretary of State Jesse White narrowed to four after a state senator suspended his bid to lead that office.

State Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, said in a statement he wanted to continue to focus on the district he represents.

Hastings said his decision to suspend his campaign to succeed White came after “much thoughtful reflection.”

“My heart and home is the 19th District, the community where I have spent most of my life. I was raised there, and it is where I am raising my family today,” Hastings said in a prepared statement.

“At this moment in time, it is where I belong and where I am needed most. The people of the 19th District are not just my friends and my neighbors — they are my family, too. We have many important priorities to address in the 19th District and I am ready and eager to take them on in Springfield.”

Hastings did not immediately respond for a request for further comment about his decision to drop out of the race.

Hastings’ exit from the race comes a little over a year before voters decide which Democrat they want to advance to the midterm elections in November 2022.

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, former Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Aldermen Pat Dowell (3rd) and David Moore (17th) are still in the race.