(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A new poll shows former Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin has plenty of work ahead if he runs to replace Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
Despite 24 years of service in the Illinois House of Representatives, a poll released by Coefficient in September found that 60% of Cook County voters were undecided about him.
“When you’re a member of the Legislature, you’re not a household name,” Durkin told WBBM.
The Western Springs resident said he’s very seriously weighing whether to run in 2024, but he described running as a Republican in Cook County as a “very daunting task.”
The last time a member of the GOP won a race for Cook County State’s Attorney was more than three decades ago, when incumbent Jack O’Malley defeated Chicago Ald. Patrick O’Connor.
Durkin served under O’Malley and said he’s very sad about the direction the office has gone under Foxx, who is not running for re-election.
“She should be the public defender of Cook County,” he said. “She has not taken on the responsibility and the mandate of that office.”
Durkin will have to find donors and other support in the six weeks before nominating petitions are due on Dec. 4.
If he’s able to secure the Republican nomination, he might face Democrats Clayton Harris III or Eileen O’Neill Burke, who have officially entered the race.
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