EDWARDSVILLE – State Senator Jason Plummer told Illinois Review Friday that he's "taking a hard look" at running for the 15th CD seat that Congressman John Shimkus (IL-15) said last week he won't be running for again in 2020.
"I've been out of town on business for the last several days, and Congressman Shimkus' announcement was a surprise," Plummer said via phone. "But I've been getting lots of encouragement from Republicans in the district to run for the seat. I'm taking a hard look at it."
Plummer was just elected in 2018 for his first term as state senator, after former State Senator Kyle McCarter announced he would not seek re-election in 2018. Plummer won the seat with a 40 point lead over the Democrat candidate – similar to the lead John Shimkus held over his Democrat challenger in 2018.
Plummer said he no longer lives in Congressman Mike Bost's 12th CD – and that his hometown of Edwardsville is divided among three congressional districts – Bost's 12th, Shimkus' 15th and Rodney Davis' 13th. Plummer lost a congressional bid in 2012 to Democrat William Enyart, who was ousted by Republican Mike Bost in 2014.
Being the member of a GOP Senate caucus that is in the super-minority and appears likely to remain so in the near future, the decision to try for the US Congress where Republicans currently hold the majority would be tempting for any Illinois Republican.
"I'm really thinking about what I could do that would help the state of Illinois the most," Plummer said.
Plummer remains actively involved in his family's business, R.P. Lumber, and its growing number of projects.
Other potential candidates being mentioned include attorney Erika Harold, who challenged Rodney Davis in 2014,
