Sorensen declares victory in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District race: ‘The meteorologist is going to Congress.’

Eric Sorensen declared victory overnight in his bid to represent the 17th District in the U.S. House and he released a statement Wednesday morning that said his Republican opponent Esther Joy King had called to concede.

“I thank her for running, and while we disagree on the issues, we both have a passion for service,” the news release read.

The unofficial returns remained too close for The Associated Press to call and show about 12% of the vote yet to be counted.

In the news release, Sorensen wrote: “I’ve worked to serve the people of Central and NW Illinois for 22 years, earning their trust by telling them the truth and helping them make the right decisions for their lives. In Congress, I will bring that same honest to representing them and commitment to fighting for lower costs, reproductive rights, and good-paying, sustainable jobs right here at home.”

He also said he looks forward to continuing to be a good neighbor.

Sorensen, a Democrat and former TV weather forecaster, declared victory after 2 a.m.: “The meteorologist is going to Congress.”

In social media posts, Sorensen wrote “Today we say loud and clear: this space is special and it’s going to be represented by someone who’s spent nearly their entire life living, working, and actively engaging in our community here, and will make sure that our community has a seat at the table.”

As of Wednesday morning and with 88% of the vote counted, unofficial returns showed Sorensen with 114,210 votes or 51.7% over King’s 106,693 votes, or 48.3%.

The district will have a new representative for the first time in a decade.

Bustos, a Democrat from East Moline, announced in April 2021 that she would not seek reelection after her fifth term in office.

Bustos released a statement Wednesday congratulating Sorensen on his victory.

“Yesterday, the residents of Northwest and Central Illinois chose to stand for democracy, freedom and a future where we work together instead of tearing each other apart. I want to congratulate Eric Sorensen on his victory,” she said. “I am thrilled that the working- and middle-class families of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District will have a representative who will fight for them, work to build up our local economy and continue to uplift Heartland values and Midwestern voices.

“After serving this Congressional District for the past decade, I want to thank the men and women, young and old, who have been so supportive. It has been my honor to work to improve the lives of every resident who I have been fortunate enough to serve. As look forward to my next step, I am glad to know that those I have served will be represented by an Illinoisan with deep roots in our community who is ready to step up and lead.”

Sorensen was a TV meteorologist in Rockford for 11 years and in the Quad Cities for seven years. He would be the state’s first openly gay congressional member once he’s sworn in.

King is a JAG Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and practices law in East Moline, focusing on real estate. She ran against Bustos in 2020; that also was a close race, 52% to 48%.

The redrawn 17th District includes metros of Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, the Quad Cities and Rockford.

King has campaigned on issues including inflation and crime – blaming Democratic leadership for inflation – wanting to rein in government spending to slow down the economy, she said during a candidate debate in early October at Bradley University.

Sorensen has campaigned on inflation, reproductive rights and climate change. On inflation, he has spoken about employing multiple mitigation measures, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices with drug companies and sales tax breaks.

Both have spoken about the need to grow job opportunities in the district as well as the importance of the Farm Bill.

On abortion, Sorensen said abortion is health care, and the government should not be telling people what they can or can’t do with their bodies. King said she’s against abortion based on her faith and approves of Roe v. Wade being overturned. She also criticized the state’s abortion access laws under Gov. JB Pritzker, but does support exceptions in cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother.

Election analysts have widely pegged the race as a toss-up, and millions have been spent on targeted campaign ads.

More than $7 million has been spent by super PACs, national party committees, and other noncandidate committees to advocate for or against the candidates.

King has raised nearly $4.6 million and spent $3.8 million, while Sorenson has raised $2.5 million and spent $2.2 million.