Nine file for vacant 17th Congressional seat

Seven Democrats and two Republicans are running for the 17th District Congressional seat being left vacant by Rep. Cheri Bustos’ decision not to seek another term.

The race for the 16th Congressional seat will be determined by the June 28 primary; the field consists of no Democrats and four Republicans — including the 18th District’s sitting officeholder, Darin LaHood of Peoria.

Candidates in established political parties had until Monday to file their petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections to seek legislative seats in the U.S. Congress and the Illinois General Assembly. In the case of the crowded 17th District race, three came in on the last day of filing.

Redistricting left northwest Illinois with two Congressional seats — Lee and Ogle counties firmly in the reconstituted 16th while Whiteside and Carroll counties are in the elongated 17th.

Redistricting also shifted the configuration of the state legislative district lines in the region. For example, the 90th District seat, currently served by Dixon’s Tom Demmer, shifts north to Freeport and the area north of Rockford. Demmer has chosen to run for state treasurer.

Three Dixon Republicans are seeking legislative seats: Businessman Brett Nicklaus, farmer and substitute teacher Bradley Fritts, and Mayor Li Arrellano Jr.

Nicklaus is challenging incumbent Win Stoller of East Peoria in the 37th Senate primary. Fritts and Arellano are contending for the 74th House primary.

Lastly, state Rep. Tony M. McCombie of Savanna, currently representing the 71st District, will run against Victoria Onorato of Byron in the 89th District primary.

Here is a list of candidates for seats of interest in northwest Illinois as their names appear on the filing petition.

U.S. Congress, 17th District

Republican

Charles “‘Charlie” William Helmick Jr. of East Moline and Esther Joy King of East Moline.

Democrat

Litesa Wallace of Rockford, Eric Sorensen of Moline, Angie Normoyle of Moline, Linda McNeely of Rockford, Marsha Williams of Channahon, Jonathan Klarer Logemann of Rockford and Jaqueline McGowan of Palos Hills.

U.S. Congress, 16th District

Republican

Rebresh Michael of Minooka, JoAnne Guillemette of Rockford, Walt Peters of Rockford, and Darin LaHood of Peoria.

Illinois Senate, 37th District

Republican

Win Stoller of East Peoria and Brett Nicklaus of Dixon.

Illinois Senate, 45th District

Republican

Andrew S. Chesney of Freeport

Illinois House, 73rd District

Republican

Ryan Spain of Peoria.

Illinois House, 74th District

Republican

Bradley J. Fritts of Dixon and Liandro “Li” Arellano Jr. of Dixon.

Illinois House, 89th District

Republican

Victoria Onorato of Byron and Tony M. McCombie of Savanna.

Illinois House, 90th District

Republican

John M. Cabello of Machesney Park and Mark W. Szula of Roscoe