Darin LaHood easily won his U. S. House District 16 Republican Primary race on Tuesday. LaHood won 66% of the vote handily outdistancing his closest competitor, Walt Peters, who finished second with 13%. LaHood now faces Independent Bradley Horges Jr. in the General Election on November 8.
In his press release after the victory LaHood said, “Thank you to the Republican voters in the 16th Congressional District for delivering us a resounding victory in the primary election. It’s clear that 16th District voters want a conservative voice and local advocate in Congress who will defend our Midwestern values. I look forward to the work ahead to earn the trust of 16th District voters in the general election this November.”
“I would like to thank all my campaign workers and supporters as well as everyone who took the time over the past month to go to the polls and vote for me. My congratulations to Darin LaHood. He is the Republican nominee and I will be voting for him in November,” said Peters.
Earlier this week LaHood received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, who stated, “Congressman Darin LaHood is a fighter and tremendous advocate for the incredible people of Illinois. A former federal prosecutor and member of the Intelligence Committee, Darin is working hard to protect our country, support our police, reduce crime, and strengthen our military. He is a champion for farmers, our brave veterans and the second amendment. Darin LaHood has my complete and total endorsement for Illinois 16th District.”
According to Ballotpedia, “Horges declared candidacy for the general election scheduled on November 8, 2022.
NBC News 5 in Chicago reported on Wednesday afternoon that “Horges, an independent, has indicated that he plans to run in the race.”
Rockford’s Fox 17 news reported on Tuesday afternoon that, “Bradley Horges, Jr. is running as an Independent.”
In his press release LaHood commented, “Illinois and America are at a crossroads. The November election is the most consequential of my lifetime as President Biden, Governor Pritzker and Democrats in Illinois and Congress put our country on a path of decline. As we move past the primary, it is critical the Republicans in Illinois and across the country come together to support our candidates this fall. Working together, we can elect strong Republicans throughout Illinois, take back Congress, and fire Speaker Pelosi for good.”
The 16th is a sprawling rural Republican district generally bounded by the Illinois State Line on the north, Kankakee on the east, Bloomington on the south and Davenport on the west.
LaHood was born and reared in Peoria. He attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. LaHood studied law in Chicago. Currently he and his family reside in Dunlap. They attend church in Peoria.
LaHood was first elected to Congress in the 18th District in September of 2015 after winning a special election. He is currently completing his third full term in Congress.
According to the Congressman’s website, “The 18th District spans 19 counties across central and west-central Illinois, ranging from McLean County (Bloomington-Normal) to Adams County (Quincy).”
As a result of redistricting LaHood chose to run in his new district, the 16th. Consequently he will no longer being representing western central rural Illinois but hopes to serve north central rural Illinois instead. As a result he is also courting new constituents for their votes.
LaHood has served on the House Ways and Means Committee since 2018.
According to his website, “The Ways and Means Committee is the House’s oldest committee and has jurisdiction over all taxation, trade and tariffs, and other revenue-raising measures.”
