Chicago City Wire

After months of deliberation, former Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin has decided against seeking the Republican nomination for Cook County State's Attorney. 

On Tuesday, Durkin told the Tribune that running for countywide office as a Republican in mostly Democratic Cook County is difficult enough. But the high probability of having President Donald Trump's name at the top of the GOP ticket will be even more "destructive on any Republican running in Cook County based on his performance four years ago."

"I just see no pathway to success under the circumstances in this environment in Cook County," Durkin said.

A poll conducted by Coefficient in September revealed that 60% of potential voters were undecided about Durkin potentially replacing Kim Foxx as state's attorney, who will not be seeking re-election according to Audacy. 

Following Durkin's decision, former Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti may be the only remaining Republican candidate in the April primary elections. West Cook News reports that Fioretti has made several unsuccessful runs for political positions including Chicago Mayor, Cook County Board President and state senate.

In the Democratic primary, insider Clayton Harris III is endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party over former Illinois Appellate Court Justice Eileen O’Neill Burke.

However, according to a recent survey by Impact Research polling 500 likely voters who know both candidates, Burke is leading Harris by 22 percentage points (51% Burke / 29% Harris).