Brady May Run for Secretary of State in 2022
Former Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady may be positioning himself for a run for Secretary of State in 2022.
Former Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady, a three time candidate for Governor, may be setting his sights on a run for Secretary of State in 2022.
Brady, of Bloomington, resigned from the Senate at the end of 2020 after his caucus deposed him as Senate Republican Leader following the 2020 election. He ran for Governor in 2006, 2010, and 2014. He won the GOP nomination in 2010, losing a close race to incumbent Governor Pat Quinn in a landslide year for Republicans statewide and across the country.
Brady’s political committee filed its quarterly fundraising report Thursday with more than $800,000 cash on hand, fueling speculation of his return to the GOP fray in 2022.
Some sources acknowledge Brady doesn’t have his sights set closely on a race for Governor, but many of his conversations with supporters and GOP insiders have surrounded around Secretary of State. Incumbent Democrat Jesse White isn’t seeking re-election next year.
Sources close to Brady say he hasn’t closed the door on any option, including a race for U.S. Senate or even Congress.
“It really all depends on the map,” a source said of an expected Democratic redistricting plan that could draw an incumbent Republican out of their district. Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) has said he may run for Governor and there’s speculation Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) could consider running for Governor if he is drawn out of his district. Davis and LaHood represent McLean County. Brady lives in Bloomington. With Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) acknowledging Thursday he may pull the trigger on a U.S. Senate bid if he’s drawn out of his district, that could close one potential lane for Brady.
Brady, who turns 60 next month, is one of the highest profile Republicans to be mentioned for a state constitutional office in 2022. Only Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) has showed a potential interest in running for Secretary of State.
Brady’s longtime spokesman, Dan Egler, declined to comment for The Illinoize Thursday. Brady did not return a phone call or e-mail Thursday.
