The daughter-in-law of a former U.S. congresswoman is running in the Democratic primary to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), and she is doing so without the support of her family.

Awisi Bustos, CEO of the Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, is joining the crowded primary contest to replace Durbin, 80, who is not running for a sixth term. She will likely be a long-shot candidate, as she is already up against Illinois Democrats such as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Rep. Robin Kelly.

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Stratton has the backing of Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) and likely his coffers, Krishnamoorthi boasts a heavy war chest, and Kelly has the support of state leaders thanks to her time as state party chair. All have families who support them.

But Awisi Bustos’s campaign launch came with blowback from her famous family. Former Rep. Bustos said in a statement to the Washington Examiner that she and her “entire family are not supportive” of Awisi’s campaign.

Why? Probably because Awisi Bustos is in the middle of a divorce case with the former representative’s son, Nick Bustos, per Punchbowl News.

The race to replace Durbin will be a first for many in Illinois, as the longtime senator has held his seat since 1997. His retirement opens the door for a new generation of leadership within the Democratic Party, while also giving Republicans a chance to gain a foothold in the Senate. 

It was not that long ago that a GOP lawmaker represented Illinois in the upper chamber. Former Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) held the seat from 2010 to 2017, before he lost to Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Eyes are on Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) to see whether he will launch a bid for Durbin’s seat or enter the governor’s race, if Pritzker forgoes reelection and runs for president in 2028.

It is still early for polling to give a hint as to who is in the lead for the Democratic primary. A survey taken by Public Policy Polling in early May found Krishnamoorthi leading in a four-way matchup between Stratton, Kelly, and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL). The Illinois congressman received 20%, with Underwood at 16%, Stratton at 13%, and Kelly at 8%.

Underwood, who has since passed on a Senate run, was found to have the most name recognition. The poll found that as voters “learn more about each candidate,” Stratton jumps up 13 points to lead with 26%, Krishnamoorthi drops 3 points to 17%, and Underwood and Kelly each pick up a single point.

In a two-way race between Stratton and Krishnamoorthi, the lieutenant governor leads 41% to 24%.

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Durbin told the Washington Examiner he’s “not surprised” that Awisi Bustos launched a bid. He expects “there’ll be even more nominees before it’s over.” He added he will still stay neutral and not endorse in the primary.

The Washington Examiner contacted Awisi and Cheri Bustos for comment.

Ramsey Touchberry contributed to this report.