CHICAGO (AP) — Former state Rep. Robin Kelly says she's pleased to have the backing of state Sen. Toi Hutchinson upon her withdrawal from the race for Jesse Jackson Jr.'s vacated U.S. House seat.

Hutchinson announced her exit on Sunday, saying she did not want to risk dividing the community and her fellow Democrats days before the Feb. 26 primary.

In a written statement, Kelly says that if she prevails she will work with Sen. Hutchinson and other leaders throughout the district on issues like combatting gun violence and creating jobs.