Mark Kirk

Report: State Sen. Napoleon Harris to Challenge Duckworth, Zopp in Senate Race

The competition in the Democratic primary for the Senate race just ramped up a bit as state Sen. Napoleon Harris reportedly entered the fray.

According to Greg Hinz of Crain's Chicago Business, Harris, of Flossmoor, said he plans to challenge Rep. Tammy Duckworth and former Urban League President and CEO Andrea Zopp for a spot on the Democratic ticket.

Harris hasn't officially entered the race, but he plans to file the correct paperwork by the end of this week, according to Hinz.

A former NFL player for the Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs, Harris now serves as state senator for Illinois' 15th District representing parts of Cook and Will counties, including the 9th Ward in Chicago.

In an interview with Hinz, Harris targeted Zopp over Duckworth when discussing his candidacy, saying she doesn't have a "base" like he does as an already elected official. Harris and Zopp would likely compete for the African-American vote, which will likely be the key for them in a race against Duckworth and later Sen. Mark Kirk.

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