An incumbent Democratic Illinois state senator from Quincy has earned an endorsement from the National Rifle Association.

The NRA issued its support to state Sen. John Sullivan during a news conference Thursday morning in Quincy. NRA representative Todd Vandermyde says Sullivan received the endorsement because of his strong support for the 2nd Amendment.

Vandermyde says Sullivan has been critical to blocking anti-gun legislation. Sullivan says his father taught him responsible gun ownership.

Sullivan has served in the Illinois Legislature since 2003. He faces Republican candidate Randy Frese in the Nov. 6 general election. The NRA gave Frese its highest rating available in September.