Illinois: Candidates File

Illinois became the first state to close its 2018 candidate filing period yesterday, as 77 open seat and challenger candidates filed to run for the US House along with 17 House members seeking re-election.  Only Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Chicago) is retiring. 
 
Eight of the 17 Congressmen - five Democrats and three Republicans - running next year will face primary opposition.  Only the race against Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Western Springs/Chicago suburbs) looks to have the potential of becoming a serious contest, however.  Mr. Lipinski’s nomination opponent is media consultant Marie Newman, a first-time candidate but one who has support from many liberal ideological groups, particularly those on the social issues front.  Rep. Lipinski has a large resource advantage to begin the campaign.  Ms. Newman had already raised over $270,000 at the end of September, but had also spent well over half of her treasury.

--Jim Ellis