PEORIA (HOI) — Attorney Steve Kouri has withdrawn from the race for the Peoria City Council District 4 seat after being appointed to the Illinois Human Rights Commission by Gov. JB Pritzker.

State statute prohibits Kouri from serving simultaneously on the City Council and on the Human Rights Commission, according to a release by Kouri.

Kouri, who won one of the two spots in the primary race with 50% of the vote, announced the decision to step away from the race on Monday.

“… appointment to the Human Rights Commission will allow me to serve a larger, statewide constituency, including the disabled and those with special needs,” Kouri said in a press release.

Kouri replaces Jeffrey Shuck on the seven-member commission.

Kouri was set to face Andre Allen in the April 6th general election.

“Words can not describe how grateful I am to so many who’ve done so much for me. I trust each one will understand the reasons for my decision to accept the statewide appointment to the Human Rights Commission and to cease campaigning for the April 6 election,” said Kouri.

He also said money donated to his campaign will be returned.

The appointment to the Human Rights Commission will be effective April 15 and is temporary until approved by the Illinois Senate.