Illinois Lt. governor launches bid for retiring US senator

​​​​​​​WASHINGTON

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton became the first Democrat on Thursday to announce a bid to fill the seat of retiring US Sen. Dick Durbin.

"As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their relentless attack on Americans, we need new voices in Washington who will stand firm and fight fiercely to move us forward and protect the values we hold dear," Stratton said in a statement.

Her remarks came after Durbin, the no. 2 Senate Democrat, announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection.

"I am that leader, and I promise to fight everyday for the people of Illinois," Stratton said.

First elected to the Senate in 1996, Durbin has served in the upper chamber for five terms.