The battle to replace Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin in Illinois is intensifying with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi on Wednesday jumping into a crowded primary that has divided key Democratic factions in the blue state.

Illinois Democrat Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi announced he will be running for Senate, after Sen. Dick Durbin said he won’t seek reelection.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, a 5-term congressman, kicked off his U.S. Senate bid in Peoria, Illinois, where he received a world-class education and was shaped by the community, and is running to replace Richard "Dick" Durbin in the Senate.