Donne Trotter Congressional Campaign To Succeed Jesse Jackson Jr. Ending

The Illinois state lawmaker considered by many to be a leading candidate in the crowded field to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. in Congress is expected to announce his exit from the race Saturday.

Democratic State Sen. Donne Trotter will be dropping out of the race in Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, which covers most of Chicago's South Side and area suburbs, according to several sources close to the lawmaker, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

According to ABC Chicago, Trotter spoke with Thornton Township Committeeman Frank Zuccarelli, a Trotter supporter in the crowded race, and informed him of the news Thursday. Sources also confirmed the report to the Chicago Tribune.

Trotter, 62, was considered an early favorite in the race to replace Jackson -- but his arrest for attempting to take a gun on a plane at O'Hare International Airport cast a long shadow over his campaign.

Though all signs pointed to Trotter being Cook County Democratic leaders' top pick during a slating session held earlier this month, the group ultimately chose not to throw their backing behind any candidate.

Jackson resigned last month from Congress on the heels of an easy re-election despite not campaigning amid his being on medical leave since June. The congressman had sought treatment for bipolar disorder and is the subject of an ongoing federal investigation into his campaign spending.

Other candidates in the race include state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, former state Rep. Robin Kelly, Chicago Alderman Anthony Beale and former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds, whose record includes convictions for having sex with a minor and fraud. (Scroll down to check out who else is in, out and somewhere in between in the race.)