Durbin endorses Avelar for Illinois House District 85 race

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin endorsed the Democratic candidate in the race for the Illinois 85th House District.

Durbin recorded a video announcing his support of Dagmara "Dee" Avelar and told of how she became a U.S. citizen after immigrating to the U.S. from Ecuador, calling it "an incredible life story."

"She knew what it meant to fight an uphill battle," Durbin said in the video. "She won that one and now she wants to continue that battle for you in Springfield in the Illinois House of Representatives."

The 85th Illinois House District includes parts of Bolingbrook, Lockport, Romeoville and Woodridge.

Avelar is running against Ron Doweidt, a Republican from Romeoville, for the seat. State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, the occupant of the seat, is running for the Illinois' 43rd Senate District.