Moline attorney Jeff Jacobs is announcing his bid to succeed State Representative Pat Verschoore in the 2016 election.
The announcement comes less than a day after Verschoore revealed his plans to retire after completing his current term.
"There was no one that brought more passion or fight to the process than Pat in terms of standing up for what he believes is right," said Doug House, chairman of the Rock Island County Democratic Party.
The Milan Democrat recently expressed frustration over the Illinois budget stalemate.
"The most important thing right now is to make sure that we try to take care of the most needy people, and we're not doing that," he said.
As Republicans set up for their Ronald Reagan Barbecue on Thursday, they hope to seize the moment.
The 72nd is longtime Democratic territory.
"I would hope that it is the start of a new era in that district, where they look at the quality of the individual as opposed to the party," said Bill Bloom, chairman of Rock Island County Republicans.
Republicans are running political newcomer Brandi McGuire.
She says that she wants to be the voice for Springfield.
"I want to take people's voices from here to Springfield because I think that's very important that we are heard," she said.
Republicans know it won't be easy to win in the 72nd District.
Even in an open race, it remains a Democratic powerhouse.
"It's going to be a challenge for a Republican to take that district," Bloom said. "There's just no two ways about it."
Democrats, for their part, are ready to continue the legacy set by Verschoore and others.
"We feel very good about our record going forward, and our opportunity to hold that seat," House concluded.
A seat that won't be up for grabs until November 2016.