Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood on Wednesday revealed his plans for contesting for the seat of embattled Rep. Aaron Schock after the congressman leave the position at the end of the month.

“I’m gonna work as hard as I can to run in this district, and I’m sure there’ll be other top quality people there, but I’m gonna stand on my record in the state Senate,” LaHood said in his interaction on CNN-affiliate WMBD Radio in Peoria, Ill.

The announcement came as no surprise for the residents as supporters have hugely suggested his name as a potential runner for the seat soon after Schock made announcement of his resignation on Tuesday.

Schock will step down from his position on March 31.

LaHood, who is the son of former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, said that Schock’s decision of resigning made him “absolutely surprised”.

“I was stunned, I really was. I thought we’d never see that. It was indeed “sad” for the district,” LaHood said.

LaHood, however, turned up to appeal the residents as well as his supporters to back his poll ambitions.

“Voters want someone that will represent them well, vote the right way, work hard and hopefully not get in any trouble,” he said.

He expressed his commitment to ethics reform while making an appeal for his candidature.

“I’ve been one of the strongest advocates for ethics reform in the Illinois state Senate, and I’ll continue to be that way if I’m fortunate enough to run and win in Congress,” LaHood added.

LaHood is being seen as a frontrunner for the seat, which is largely influenced by Republicans, because of his politically recognized family.