Illinois Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D) is forgoing a run for Senator Dick Durbin's seat.

The decision comes after she faced pushback from the state's plutocratic governor, J.B. Pritzker (D), and his political machine.

Chicago Democrat steps aside

Underwood represents a swing district in the western suburbs outside of Chicago. She flipped the seat for Democrats in 2018.

Underwood said her focus is winning back the House for Democrats in 2026. She serves in House leadership and on the House Democrats' campaign committee.

“When I reflected on the way that I could best serve families in Illinois and around the country, I really decided to stay in the House of Representatives,” Underwood told CNN on Monday.

"Underwood’s decision to forgo a run for the United States Senate coincides with non-partisan projections showing that the most likely way for Democrats to regain power in Washington is through winning back the House of Representatives in 2026," her campaign said.

Pritzker throws his weight around

38-year-old Underwood had shown interest in succeeding Durbin, who plans to retire at the end of 2026, but she faced opposition from Governor J.B. Pritzker, a billionaire hotel heir who is actively auditioning for the presidency.

The governor is throwing his weight behind Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, who has already entered the Senate primary along with Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.

Pritzker is known for cynical meddling. When facing re-election in 2022, he poured millions into boosting a GOP primary candidate whom he felt would be easier to beat.

Underwood said she was "disappointed" in reports that Pritzker was labeling her "damaged goods" to donors, reports Pritzker denied. Pritzker endorsed Stratton just two days after Durbin announced his retirement.

"Well, I didn’t speak to the governor, and I don’t need to speak with him. But what I do know is that kind of ugliness has no place in our politics," Underwood told CNN. "I know that Illinois voters are going to decide this election. Illinois voters can’t be bought,” she said.

Dirty Chicago politics

The other U.S. Senator from Illinois, Tammy Duckworth (D), has endorsed Stratton as well.

Durbin has not said if he will make an endorsement, but he said voters should have a free choice. With Pritzker inserting himself into the race so forcefully, it may be too late for that.

"The voters have the last word. And if you run a campaign that is dirty, the voters have their impression of it, and some of them will stay away from candidates who do that," he said.