CHICAGO — In the face of Republican opposition striving to retain control over the U.S. House, Illinois Democrats involved in congressional races statewide are gearing up for significant challenges. The most closely scrutinized contests feature two first-term Democratic representatives who are vying for reelection. Rep. Eric Sorensen is set to compete against Republican Joe McGraw in the 17th Congressional District, while Rep. Nikki Budzinski will confront Republican Joshua Loyd in the 13th District.
Democrats have already amassed considerable advantages in fundraising and are also bolstered by a political landscape that tends to favor incumbents. To boost voter turnout, Democratic leaders in Illinois have introduced three non-binding advisory questions aimed at addressing property tax relief, insurance for in vitro fertilization, and interference with election workers.
### 17th District
The race in the extensive “C-shaped” district of northwest Illinois is predicted to be the state’s fiercest matchup. This area is characterized by union-dense manufacturing zones and academic institutions, typically leaning Democratic, yet it also contains conservative-leaning rural segments.
Sorensen, a former television meteorologist, was first elected in 2022 and has garnered support from both unions and agricultural stakeholders, leading to a dominant fundraising advantage. According to data from the Federal Election Commission, he has secured over $4.5 million in contributions, while McGraw has raised around $1.3 million.
Throughout his campaign, Sorensen has attempted to resonate with constituents from both parties. By leveraging his experience in meteorology, he advocates for green energy and strategies to combat climate change. He also highlights his bipartisan efforts, noting his position as one of only four Democrats on the House Agriculture Committee who endorsed a new farm bill earlier this year.
“I will do everything in my power to reach across the aisle,” he stated during a campaign event held on a family farm near the Quad Cities, despite seeing signs in support of his opponent McGraw from nearby residents.
Meanwhile, McGraw, a seasoned judge and prosecutor from Rockford, asserts that Sorensen is not suited for the district, criticizing his environmental stance and support for LGBTQ+ rights, given that Sorensen identifies as openly gay.
“The electorate is ready for change,” remarked McGraw, 69, at a fundraiser in Rockford. “He’s an extremist on climate issues, committed to every aspect of the liberal agenda.”
Calling Democrats too lenient on crime, McGraw has highlighted his endorsements from law enforcement groups and national Republican organizations, including the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns” program, designed to cultivate candidate support across the nation.
### 13th District
In the 13th District, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, 47, is campaigning for a second term in this slender Democrat-leaning region stretching from the St. Louis vicinity to Champaign, incorporating both college towns and agricultural communities. Budzinski touts her achievement in securing a $51 million federal grant for an agricultural tech hub operated by the University of Illinois as a key accomplishment.
“Voters want their representatives to provide solutions, not amplify political discord,” said Budzinski, who began her congressional career in 2022. With a background as a senior adviser to Governor JB Pritzker and as a labor union advocate, she has significantly outpaced her opponent in fundraising, bringing in nearly $4 million against Loyd’s approximate $76,000, according to Federal Election Commission data.
Despite being far behind in fundraising, Loyd, 26, claims he has recently intensified his campaign efforts. He voices his dissatisfaction with Budzinski’s responsiveness to constituents, particularly highlighting his struggles in obtaining veterans’ benefits following his medical discharge from service.
“My commitment to serving the community, state, and nation remains unwavering,” Loyd insisted, emphasizing his mission to ensure veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
An additional complication arises from the presence of another candidate. Green Party hopeful Chibuihe Asonye, a residence hall director at the University of Illinois, was unable to secure sufficient signatures to qualify for the November ballot but is campaigning as a write-in candidate. She is focused on engaging young voters and has even collaborated with Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein during her campaign.
### Other Races to Watch
Beyond these contests, two other races featuring incumbent Democrats are experiencing robust challenges from Republican candidates in the greater Chicago area. Rep. Sean Casten is facing off against Republican Niki Conforti, who has criticized Casten as excessively liberal for the predominantly suburban 6th District. Casten asserts he has provided significant constituent services since his election in 2018, when he successfully flipped a district previously held by a six-term Republican incumbent.
Additionally, Rep. Lauren Underwood is running for a fourth term in the 14th District, where her opponent is Jim Marter, a software consultant with prior leadership experience in the local Republican Party. Underwood, who was first elected in 2018, made history as the youngest Black woman in the U.S. House. She has championed reproductive rights in a district that spans western suburbs and rural areas, where she firmly supports abortion rights contrasting sharply with Marter’s unconditional opposition to abortion.