Illinois Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete) said Tuesday she plans to run for retiring Republican Rep. Jerry Weller's 11th Congressional District seat.

Halvorson decided after meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others in Washington over the weekend. Democrats have singled out Halvorson as their top hope to win the district, which includes parts of Will County and reaches as far south as McLean County.