Pat Dowell, alderman and committeeman of Chicago's Third Ward, formally announced her candidacy for Illinois secretary of state, and has established a campaign website (www.IllinoisForDowell.com ).
The elections (primary and general) will take place next year.
"As a committed public servant, helping and serving people has always been my top priority," said Dowell in a statement. "My singular goal of this office is to provide the residents of Illinois with the best customer services possible and not to use the office as a personal steppingstone to advance my career."
She added, "As secretary of state, I will focus on customer service, cutting-edge technology, libraries, literacy and business services."
Other individualsincluding Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia, former Illinois state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough and state Sen. Michael Hastingshave either announced an intention to run for the same position or have publicly stated they're considering running.
Current Secretary of State Jesse White plans on retiring after this term. White has been in the post for more than two decades.