Sorenson declares victory against McGraw in northern Illinois congressional race
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A candidate has declared victory for Illinois' 17th congressional district.
Current Democratic Representative Eric Sorenson declared victory at his campaign party over his Republican challenger Joe McGraw Tuesday just before midnight.
The large district includes several populous regions of northern and central Illinois like Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Rockford, and the Quad Cities. Sorenson, the former TV meteorologist, won his first term in 2022. McGraw worked as a judge and prosecutor for the Rockford area before retiring.
Sorenson largely focused his reelection campaign on prioritizing renewable energy and funding ways to fight climate change. McGraw touted his "tough on crime" record with endorsements from law enforcement groups.
Many political experts across the country were monitoring the race as one that could determine the control of the House of Representatives for either party in 2025 and 2026.
