The number of announced candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for secretary of state dropped by one Friday with state Sen. Michael Hastings suspending his campaign.
The move leaves four announced contenders vying to replace longtime Secretary of State Jesse White: former state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and Chicago Aldermen Pat Dowell, 3rd, and David Moore, 17th.
In a statement, Hastings, of Frankfort, said the decision to drop his candidacy came after “thoughtful reflection” and with “a heavy heart.” He announced his candidacy March 3 and had the endorsement of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters.
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Hastings, elected to a southwest suburban state Senate seat in 2012 and a member of Democratic leadership in the chamber, said his district is “where I am needed most” at this point in time.
“We have many important priorities to address … and I am ready and eager to take them on in Springfield,” he said.
