The race is heating up for the newly-opened senate district where NIU is located.

The republican_controlled election commission released a new senatorial district map Oct. 1, which left NIU looking for new senatorial representation.

Senate District 35 contains parts of DeKalb County, Ogle County, Lee County and Winnebago County.

But District 35 will not be forgotten, as interested people begin to show their interest in running for the seat.

DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow was contacted on his interest in running for the open seat. “I wouldn’t characterize (my position) as not interested or interested.”

At this time, it is way too early to say. However, I will not turn the opportunity down to look at the district,” he said.

He said there are many variables to look at before making any decisions. The main thing which needs to be determined is whether the changes are constitutional, he said.

The map is being brought to the courts by the attorney general to determine if the map is simply political or not, he said.

“However, I will say that I am very happy to be the mayor and will run for mayor in the future,” he said.

Rep. Brad Burzinski (R-Sycamore) said “yes” when he was asked if he was interested in the senate seat.

“We are exploring all the options and opportunities and in the next few days, we will be making an announcement,” Burzynski said.

“I have already been contacted by the state senatorial staff on whether or not I would be interested in running, and my response was favorable,” he said.

“By being in the senate, I feel I would be able to represent the people better because the senate is smaller and work can be done at a faster pace,” he said.