Juliana Stratton, who has served as Illinois’ lieutenant governor, has been public about her interest in Dick Durbin’s seat.

Dick Durbin, the longtime second-ranking Democrat in the Senate, announced plans to retire at the end of next year, setting off a succession scramble to take his powerful leadership spot in the chamber and a likely crowded primary in Illinois for the seat.

The 80-year-old added that “a strong Democratic bench” would be “ready to serve” in his place — without naming any immediate successors.