MARION, Ill. (WJPF) — The Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association has endorsed Alexi Giannoulias for Secretary of State in the 2022 primary election.

Members of the twenty-two county association voted on Sunday to endorse the former state treasurer.

Giannoulias, 45, is one of five Democrats hoping to replace current Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, 86, who will retire at the end of this term. White has held the office since 1999. Giannoulias’ Democratic competitors include Chicago Alderman Pat Dowell, State Senator Michael Hastings, Chicago Alderman David Moore, and Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia.