He's been the name behind Freeport for about five years and now Mayor George Gaulrapp is hoping the nearly 27 thousand people he represents and hundreds of thousands of others will represent him on Election Day.

Today, Gaulrapp officially announced his run for Congress. He stopped in his hometown, Galena, and Rockford. Less than 24 hours on the campaign trail, his eight term incumbent challenger questions his motive.

"He had never indicated that he was running for Congress” said Rich Carter, Congressman Don Manzullo’s spokesperson….” He never mentioned he ever had any problems with what our staff was doing so, it's surprising” He said

Carter says he was confused about Gualrapp's decision to run considering the two of them worked together on several Freeport projects

“If he is offended there is nothing I can do about it” said Gaulrapp.. “If a politician is telling you, I’m going to do things for your city, and hope you never run against me, well that’s wrong.. They have a job to do" he said

The 49 year old says he wants to focus on unemployment rates in the District's nine counties and use his experience as an eight year Alderman to tackle economic issues.

Gaulrapp says although he's fighting for a higher seat in Washington, He’ll never be above Freeport.