Map of Illinois First Congressional District for the 2022 Election

 Map of district boundaries for the Illinois First Congressional District for the 2022 Election:

Rachel Ventura, "Green New Deal Democrat" to Challenge Bill Foster in Illinois 11th Congressional

Will County Board Member Rachel Ventura has announced her candidacy for the Democratic Nomination in the Illinois 11th Congressional District.

Ventura has stated she is a "Green New Deal Democrat" who supports Medicare for All.

Here is a map of the Illinois 11th Congressional District: 

Illinois 11th Congressional District

Here is a video of Ventura's campaign announcement in downtown Joliet:

Toi Hutchinson Drops Out of 2nd Congressional Race, Backs Robin Kelly

State Senator Toi Hutchinson has posted on her Facebook page that she is withdrawing her name from the Illinois Second Congressional election to replace Jesse Jackson, Jr..  Hutchinson endorsed Robin Kelly.

Hutchinson wrote on her Facebook page:
"I said from day one that my campaign was not about me. It was about fighting for what we need in this district. If in an effort to win I become a part of dividing our house, it wouldn’t be a win. Not when we need unity more than ever. That’s why yesterday I decided to withdraw my candidacy for the 2nd Congressional district seat. I thank God that I still have a platform to fight for all of the things that are so important to all of us in the State Senate. But as ever, I also know we need a champion in Congress as well. Today I endorsed Robin Kelly in her campaign to win this district, and I urge you to support her with your vote on election day. 

We can’t move our state or country forward divided. I always said that this campaign was not about me. I’m stepping aside so we can stand together as a party and as a community. Our voices are loud. Our voices are strong. I believe in us. That will never change.

Thank you all for your support."

Toi Hutchinson Announces Candidacy for Illinois Second Congressional District

Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson announced today that she will run for the Illinois Second Congressional District seat vacated by Jesse Jackson, Jr..  Hutchinson currently represents the Illinois 40th State Senate District.  Hutchinson wrote on her Facebook page, "Today I have officially announced my plan to run for Congress. Families in the South Suburbs and the southside deserve a representative who understands their concerns and who will work alongside President Obama to create new jobs, rebuild our roads and schools, and protect the gains we've made on equal pay, health care and civil rights. I'm going to work hard every day to help the people of the Southland and I'm looking forward to earning your support over the coming months."

2010 Will County News interview with Hutchinson.

The Special Election to replace Jackson will be April 9, 2013.  This is the same day as previously-scheduled municipal elections in Illinois. 

Map of the 2012 Illinois Second Congressional District:

Map of the Illinois Second Congressional District

Naperville Congressional District Maps 2014

After the 2010 Census, the Illinois State House redrew the Illinois Congressional Districts.  Here are the maps of the Congressional Districts in effect going forward:

Map of Realigned Illinois 11th Congressional District, including the towns of Joliet, parts of New Lenox,  Bolingbrook, Naperville, Woodridge, and Aurora

Map of Realigned Illinois 14th Congressional District

Maps of all Illinois Congressional Districts 

Bolingbrook, Illinois Congressional District Map 2014

After the 2010 census, all Illinois Congressional District were redrawn by the Illinois State House.  The new districts are in effect for the November 2014 election.

Bolingbrook is in the new Illinois 11th Congressional District.  In November 2014,  voters will choose between current Congressman Bill Foster and the Republican candidate elected in the March 18, 2014 Republican primary.  There are five Republicans running in the primary.  Map of the new 11th Congressional District:

2012 Illinois 11th Congressional District

As you can see from the map, the new Illinois 11th Congressional includes Joliet, New Lenox, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Naperville, and Montgomery.

Info on the current 11th Congressional District and its redistricting:

Bill Foster spoke on issues related to immigration and other topics at a Joliet Forum:

Manhattan, Illinois Congressional District Map 2012

Manhattan, Illinois is currently in the Illinois 11th Congressional District which is represented by Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger.  Following the 2010 Census, the Illinois Democrats redrew all of the Illinois Congressional Districts.

Because of the redistricting, Manhattan is now in the Illinois First Congressional District held by Congressman Bobby Rush.  Rush will run against Republican Donald Peloquin in the November 6, 2012 election.

Map of the new First Congressional District:

Illinois First Congressional District

Orland Park, Illinois Congressional District 2012

After the 2010 Census, the Illinois State Legislators were charged with redrawing Illinois Congressional Districts since Illinois lost a seat in the U.S. House due to declining population.

Orland Park, Illinois is now part of the 3rd and 1st Congressional District.  The First Congressional District is represented by Congressman Bobby Rush.  Rush is running against Republican challenger Don Peloquin in the November 2012 election.

Map of 2012 Illinois First Congressional District:

Frankfort, Illinois is part of the 1st Congressional District for the November 2012 Election

The Third Congressional District encompasses the area West and North of Orland Park:

Frankfort, Illinois Congressional District 2012

After the 2010 Census, the Illinois State Legislators were charged with redrawing Illinois Congressional Districts since Illinois lost a seat in the U.S. House due to declining population.

Frankfort, Illinois is now part of the 1st Congressional District, which is represented by Congressman Bobby Rush.  Rush is running against Republican challenger Don Peloquin in the November 2012 election.

Map of 2012 Illinois First Congressional District:

Frankfort, Illinois is part of the 1st Congressional District for the November 2012 Election

Jesse Jackson, Jr., Brian Woodworth, Will County and the Illinois Second Congressional District

Sign at the Will County Republicans' Booth at the Will County Fair

Will County Republicans displayed a sign showing the new Illinois Second Congressional District currently held by Democratic Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.. The new Second Congressional covers a great deal of Eastern Will County and all of Kankakee County, land that is currently part of the 11th Congressional District held by Republican Adam Kinzinger.  Brian Woodworth of Kankakee County is the Republican nominee for the Second Congressional and will face Jackson in the November General Election.

Below is a large map of the new Illinois Second Congressional District that will be in place for the 2012 November General Election.  All Illinois Congressional Districts were redrawn after the 2012 census.

2012 Illinois Second Congressional District Map.  The Illinois 2nd Congressional Seat is currently held by Democrat Jesse Jackson, Jr. 

McGuire Praises Governor’s Decision to End Controversial Legislative Scholarship Program

Springfield, IL- State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) praised the governor’s decision to sign legislation ending the controversial legislative scholarship program earlier today.  McGuire, who took office earlier this year, chose not to participate in the scandal-ridden program and has vocally supported its abolition.  He issued the following statement:

“Programs that aren’t on the up-and-up have to go.  Getting rid of legislative scholarships is an important step toward restoring confidence in Illinois government.  The State of Illinois has better ways to spend its money than on legislative scholarships.  We must work on making higher education affordable for everyone.  We also must make sure students graduate and are ready to work and make our state great again.”

McGuire Disappointed Over Partial IYC-Joliet Funding

Illinois State Senator Pat McGuire released the following press release regarding Gov. Quinn's decision to fund IYC-Joliet only through December 31, 2012:

"Joliet, IL – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) is expressing disappointment over Governor Pat Quinn today cutting in half funding for Illinois Youth Center (IYC) Joliet. Quinn’s decision gives the facility funds to operate until approximately December 31, 2012.  The state’s new fiscal year begins tomorrow, July 1, 2012 and runs through June 30, 2013.

“I’m disappointed by the governor’s decision,” McGuire said.  “The General Assembly passed a balanced budget containing the money needed to keep IYC Joliet open throughout the next fiscal year. The governor cannot spend the appropriated funds on anything except public safety. IYC Joliet is essential to the public’s safety.”

IYC Joliet is the state’s only maximum security facility for young male offenders. It houses over 250 of Illinois’ most dangerous young male offenders, many in their late teens.  Just two days ago, an offender convicted of armed robbery got as far as the facility’s razor-wire fence in an attempted escape.

The administration has told McGuire it intends to move IYC Joliet residents to IYC St. Charles, a 106 year-old facility, and IYC Kewanee near the Quad Cities. The Quinn administration first announced a July 31 closing date for IYC Joliet. After an outcry from the public and legislators, the closing date was extended to October 31.  The governor’s action today postpones the closing to the end of 2012.

“The General Assembly reconvenes November 27,” McGuire said. “I’ll work with my Senate colleagues and Rep. Larry Walsh, Jr. to convince the governor to restore a full year’s funding for IYC Joliet during that veto session. After all, IYC Joliet’s staff, programs, and location make it the most appropriate place for maximum-security offenders to pay their debt to society and, we hope, turn away from a life of crime.”

Senator Pat McGuire: Quinn Does Not Need to Close IYC-Joliet to Balance State Budget

Press Release from State Senator Pat McGuire on Governor Quinn's decision to close Illinois Youth Center-Joliet:

"Joliet, IL – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) is expressing dismay over Governor Pat Quinn’s decision, leaked late Tuesday to close Illinois Youth Center (IYC) Joliet, despite the General Assembly having passed a balanced budget which includes funds to keep the facility open.

“My colleagues and I in the General Assembly believe keeping IYC Joliet open is a priority,” McGuire said.  “The governor claims that he needs to close IYC Joliet to balance the budget. Truth is, the budget adopted by the legislature is balanced. Furthermore, the funds appropriated for IYC Joliet can’t be spent on anything but corrections without the legislature’s permission. ”

IYC Joliet is the state’s only maximum-security facility for young male offenders, most of whom come from the Chicago area. “We need IYC Joliet to keep the public safe. The staff provides young men the services needed to turn away from a life of crime.  Proximity to Chicago makes trips to court and family visits feasible. The governor’s move to close IYC Joliet is risky, and it threatens hundreds of local residents’ jobs.” McGuire said.

Governor Quinn first proposed closing IYC Joliet in his February budget address.  Dozens of area elected leaders and community residents testified against the closing at an April 4 hearing in Joliet, and a bipartisan legislative commission later voted to keep the facility open. The General Assembly on the final day of its spring session passed a budget with money specifically earmarked to fund IYC Joliet for another year. 

The Quinn administration became embroiled in controversy when it violated state law by spending state money on closing IYC Joliet before the legislative commission’s vote.  The latest twist came June 19 when the governor’s Department of Corrections head sent out a memo announcing that Quinn intended to ignore the General Assembly and proceed with closing IYC Joliet, along with several other adult and youth correctional facilities.  That memo was later obtained by legislators and members of the press.

“I encourage the governor to visit IYC Joliet and the other facilities he wishes to close,” McGuire said. “The view from the governor’s office on the second floor of the State Capitol can be limiting. The governor needs to meet the staff and the families of the residents of these facilities and reconsider his decision to thwart the will of the General Assembly and the affected communities.”

Crete, Illinois Primary Election Results

To view Crete election results for today's primary election, go here.  Results will begin to be posted after the polls close at 7 p.m. and will be updated throughout the night.

Crete is now in the Illinois Second Congressional District.

Illinois First Congressional Election Results

To view results from tonight's Illinois First Congressional District Democratic and Republican primaries, you will need to view election data from:
City of Chicago
Suburban Cook County
Will County

Results will be posted after polls close at 7 p.m. and will be updated throughout the night.

Map of the new Illinois First Congressional District:

Map of new Illinois First Congressional District

In the March 20, 2012 General Primary Election, the candidates are:

For the Democratic Nomination:

Incumbent Congressman Bobby Rush

Jordam Sims

Fred Smith

Raymond Lodato

Harold Bailey

For the Republican Nomination:

Frederick Collins

Donald Peloquin

Jimmy Lee Tillman II

Congressman Adam Kinzinger Releases Statement on Blagojevich Sentencing

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today issued the following statement in response to the sentencing of Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois: "Rod Blagojevich has never understood the fundamental difference between serving the public and serving his own personal interests; Ultimately, the people of Illinois have suffered the consequences.  Although Blagojevich's punishment will not restore statewide, much less nationwide certainty in Illinois, some justice has been served to our State today.  We must now move past this humiliating time in history and turn our focus toward working together to rebuild Illinois."

Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption today.