Politics
Lauren Underwood Says She Won’t Run for US Senate, Will Focus on Flipping US House
Lauren Underwood gives her victory speech on Nov. 6, 2018, after winning the election for Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. (Evan Garcia / WTTW News)
U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood announced Monday she will not run to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin but will instead focus on flipping the U.S. House of Representatives, now controlled by Republicans.
“I’ve decided the most powerful way for me to defend our values and hold Donald Trump accountable is to help Democrats win back the House,” Underwood, a Democrat from Naperville, said in a statement.
Underwood’s announcement means the contest to win the seat Durbin held for five terms is currently a three-way race between Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly.
Underwood was elected to represent Illinois’ 14th Congressional District in 2018 and became the youngest Black woman elected to Congress. Underwood won a third term by 10 points in 2024.
A former nurse, Underwood is a member of the Democratic House leadership and will serve as the co-chair of the committee charged with recruiting candidates to run in 2026.
“I’ll continue working to drive down costs for American families, flip the House, and elect a new generation of changemakers,” Underwood said. “I’m excited to keep leading that fight at home and in Washington.”
Peoria Republican U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is weighing a bid for his party’s nomination in the first open contest to represent Illinois in the U.S. Senate since 1996.
Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]
