SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — Congressman John Shimkus, an Illinois Republican, said Friday morning that he expects to make a decision about running for reelection after the weekend.

In a Friday morning Facebook post, the veteran lawmaker said that in light of Monday’s retirement announcement of Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Greg Walden, he’s been asked to reconsider his earlier plan to retire.

Shimkus says he’s heard from fellow House members in Washington, as well as from constituents in his district and supporters throughout Illinois and he’s been weighing the pros and cons of the situation.

He said he expects to discuss the matter with his family when he returns to the district this weekend and will announce his decision immediately thereafter.

Shimkus announced his retirement in August. Since that announcement multiple Republican candidates and at least one Democrat have thrown their hats into the ring to replace the Southern Illinois politician who has served for more than 20 years.