State Sen. Donne Trotter, once considered the front-runner in the race to replace Jesse Jackson Jr., has decided not to run for the seat, sources tell NBC Chicago.
Trotter has released his pollster and begun notifying supporters of his decision, sources say.
Calls to Trotter's office and to his attorney, Thomas Durkin, for comment on Thursday were unsuccessful.
Trotter was arrested at O'Hare International Airport on Dec. 5 and charged with attempting to board an aircraft with a handgun and ammunition. He had plans to attend meetings on Capitol Hill but instead spent the night in jail and now faces felony charges.
Trotter told police he had forgotten the gun was in his carry-on bag.
After posting the required 10 percent of a $25,000 bond, Trotter told reporters outside his home that he wasn't going to let the episode derail his plans to become the next congressman from Illinois.
While all signs indicated that Trotter was the favorite for Democratic power brokers who met a few weeks ago for a slate-making session, the group choose not to endorse anyone.