SPRINGFIELD – Two Illinois lawmakers said Thursday they will seek to legalize gay marriage when the General Assembly reconvenes early next year – a push that comes just 18 months after the state started allowing civil unions for same-sex couples.

Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Heather Steans, both Chicago Democrats, declined to detail the status of roll-call votes in each chamber during a conference call with reporters. But Harris previously has said he wouldn’t bring a bill to the floor without assurances that there are enough votes to pass it.

“We’re in striking distance of being able to get it done,” Steans said.