CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia is testing the political waters about a possible run for Illinois Secretary of State.
Anna Valencia has formed an exploratory committee for a run to succeed retiring Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.
Valencia said she wants to bring new ideas and energy to the Secretary of State's office, something the 35-year-old Granite City native appears to have done at her current job.
"When I got in there it wasn't an exciting office that people really though about, but I really changed what people think of the City Clerk's Office today," she said. "It's open, it's accessible, we do a lot of innovative things. I think that is what I can bring to the Secretary of State's Office in a larger capacity."
In her four years as City Clerk, she’s helped Mayor Lightfoot overhaul an onerous system of fines and fees, upgraded technology, and helped establish the CityKey ID.
"If you know me, I am a doer. I get things done, and I think that's what people are looking for. I don't think voters care so much about your age. They really want to know if you are there for them," Valencia said.
Valencia is also among elected officials who say embattled Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is a distraction as head of the state Democratic party and should step down.
"I think any time when you have leadership in for too long, it's good to get some fresh perspective and new ideas to the table and think outside the box on how to get Democrats and the very big tent all to come together," Valencia said.
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Cook County Clerk Karen Yarborough and Former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias are reportedly considering campaigns as well. They have not formed committees.
Valencia expects to start fundraising, and decide on a run in the spring.
The last Chicago City Clerk won higher office. Susana Mendoza is now State Comptroller.