New Challenger Shifts Democratic Primary Race to Face Mark Kirk by WDCB 90.9 FM published on 2015-11-19T02:28:01Z A former professional football player-turned-Illinois lawmaker surprised some political observers this week when he joined the Democratic race for US Senate, setting up a three-way contest for the chance to unseat Republican Mark Kirk. State Senator Napoleon Harris will challenge Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth and former Chicago Urban League CEO Andrea Zopp in the March primary. McCormick Foundation political scholar Dr. Shawn Healy tells WDCB News Reporter Gary Zidek he was among those surprised by Harris’ decision. Genre news