(The Center Square) – Despite the Republican being outspent, it’s a close race for a central Illinois congressional district.
Republican challenger Joshua Loyd was narrowly trailing Democratic incumbent Nikki Budzinski for the 13th Congressional District seat with not all precincts reporting. Budzinski is hoping for a second term to represent a district that winds through central Illinois from the Metro East to Champaign. Loyd, a graduate of West Point, said Budzinski doesn’t do enough for her constituents.
Budzinski leads in that race 53% to Loyd’s 47%.
Another marquee matchup was in the 17th Congressional District where Democratic incumbent Eric Sorenson leads Republican challenger Joe McGraw 53% to 46%.
In the 12th Congressional District in downstate Illinois, Republican incumbent Mike Bost was an easy winner over challenger Brian Roberts.
“This election was about standing up for our shared conservative values with a message that resonated in every corner of our district. Southern Illinoisans will continue to form a unified front in the fight for our families and ensure that our constitutional rights are protected,” said Bost in a statement.
In the 6th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Sean Casten held off a challenge from Republican Niki Conforti 53% to 46%.
Other congressional winners included Democrats Mike Quigley, Bill Foster and Dan Schneider.
Congressman Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, released the following statement on his reelection victory in which he ran unopposed.
“Our country and our state face many challenges — an economy that hasn’t worked for working families, a wide open border that’s put a strain on every town, and violent crime that’s ripping through communities,” LaHood said. “Regardless of tonight’s results at the national level, I am committed to being a part of the solution to these challenges for central and northwestern Illinois.”