Democrats in Illinois seek to add to majority in U.S. House of Representatives

Democratic Nominee for Congress in Illinois’ Third District Marie Newman answers questions from the media at 2407 W 111th St in Kennedy Park, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. | Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times

Across the state, those hoping to represent Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives awaited for results Tuesday night, with some close races expected to take days to declare because of mail ballots.

Hours before polls closed, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a Republican, told reporters he felt “cautiously optimistic” that he would declare victory by the end of the night. Davis, who has served the 13th District since 2013, faced a challenge from Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan who hoped to flip the seat. Incomplete results showed Dirksen Londrigan leading 65% to 35%.

It was a rematch for the two, and Davis said his campaign had built a “better ground game” to fend off another challenge in the district that includes parts of Springfield, Bloomington and Champaign.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a Republican, speaks to reporters hours before polls close on Election Day. He faced a challenge from Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigan in the 13th District.

In the 17th District, U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, a Democrat, faced a challenge from Republican Esther Joy King. The district includes parts of Rockford, the Quad Cities and Peoria. At 8 p.m., Bustos led 70% to 29%.

Democrat Marie Newman was expected to cruise to victory Tuesday in the 3rd District. Incomplete results showed her leading 57% to 42% over Republican Mike Fricilone.

Newman, of LaGrange, faced her biggest hurdle in the March primary when she narrowly unseated U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, a Democrat who had served in Congress since 2015. The district stretches from Bridgeport to the southwest suburbs.

Democrat Marie Newman greets and thanks voters at 2407 W. 111th St. in Kennedy Park, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.

Downstate, Republican Mary Miller and Democrat Erika Weaver battled for the 15th District seat to replace retiring Republican Rep. John Shimkus. Incomplete returns showed Miller leading 78% to 21% in a district that covers central and southwestern parts of the state, including Paducah, Edwardsville and Danville.

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, a Democrat, in the 11th District led 70% to 29% of votes for Republican Rick Laib, according to incomplete returns.

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat in the 9th District, said during a virtual Election Day gathering hosted by Foster that Democrats hope to add to their majority in the U.S. House. Incomplete results showed her leading 86% to 14% over her Republican challenger, Sargis Sangari.

In other congressional races in Illinois:

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, Democrat faced a challenge from Philanise White, a Republican, in the 1st District. Incomplete results showed Rush leading with 61%.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, Democrat had won 76% of the vote in the 2nd District over Republican Theresa J. Raborn.

U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, a Democrat, faced a challenge from Republican Jesus Solorio in the 4th District.

In the 5th District, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, a Democrat, was challenged by Tommy Hanson, a Republican, and Green candidate Thomas Wilda.

U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis, faced a challenge from Republican Craig Cameron and Tracy Jennings, an Independent, in the 7th District.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat, was challenged in the 8th District by Libertarian Preston Gabriel Nelson.

In the 10th District, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, a Democrat, faced GOP challenger Valerie Ramirez Mukherjee.

In the 12th District, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican, faced a challenge from Democrat Raymond C. Lenzi.

In the 16th District, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican, was challenged by Dani Brzozowski, a Democrat.

In the 18th District, U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, a Republican, was challenged by Democrat George Petrilli.

Elvia Malagón’s reporting on social justice and income inequality is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.