Jesse White said Monday he will seek re-election as Illinois’ Secretary of State. The 76-year-old Democrat won’t appear on the ballot again until 2014. He was just re-elected in November with nearly 70 percent of the vote.

The position of Secretary of State considered a launching pad for young politicians, but White’s popularity may scare off competitors.

White said he’s being urged by many people to run again.

“People seem to think that,” White said. “They’re become comfortable with my style of administration, administering the office of the Secretary of State and so they want me to continue.”

If elected to another term, White would become the longest serving Secretary of State in Illinois history. He first was elected in 1998.