Assuming Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White makes good – this time – on his retirement plans, there’s no shortage of candidates for 2022.

Entering the competition Wednesday is State Sen. Mike Hastings (pictured) (D-Frankfort). Hastings, 40, an Army veteran who played football at West Point and has served in the legislature since 2013, says the job would not be a stepping stone.

“I’m not looking for another title. I am going to make sure that people’s interaction with Illinois state government is a positive experience,” Hastings said in an interview Tuesday. “A lot of people across Illinois, for one reason or another, have been affected by the pandemic – unemployment – some people may not feel as positive about Illinois, but I do! I feel like we can do a lot of great things for people, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

The secretary has thousands of jobs at his or her disposal – Hastings says he would hire the best people available, and he believes that was White’s goal, too.

Former state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has already begun a campaign, and Chicago city clerk Anna Valencia has formed an exploratory committee. With the primary a year away and the seat coming open, it’s likely the list is only beginning.