UPDATE: As of Board of Elections' office closing Monday, six Republicans and three Democrats have filed to succeed retiring Congressman John Shimkus. (see names below)
SPRINGFIELD – Thus far, three Republicans filed petitions Monday morning to be the GOP candidate to compete for Congressman John Shimkus' 15th CD seat in 2020.
The downstate district is currently one of Illinois' most conservative – and is expected to be drastically redistricted after the 2020 Census.
While the buzz around the district suggested Shimkus was reconsidering his retirement announcement, and that State Senator Jason Plummer was considering a bid, their names are not among those filing Monday morning:
Mary Miller's website says she "is a mother of seven. Whether it is helping manage the family farm, teaching kids or volunteering at her church, Mary Miller has had a passion for public service. She is running for Congress to fight for our Midwestern values. Washington D.C. won’t change Mary Miller. She is running to change Washington." She is also married to State Rep. Chris Miller of Oakland, IL.
Darren Duncan in a Rossville, IL farmer and serves as Vermillion County treasurer. He has no listed website yet.
Kerry Wolfe of Altamont, IL is the vice president of the Altamont Unit No. 10 school board. He is a sales consultant for Effingham-based solar installer Tick Tock Energy.
Wolff's website says "Washington is currently overrun by an elite political class who is more interested in fighting each other in a scorched-earth battle for control, rather than doing what's right or representing the best interests of their constituents back home. I'll go to Washington to represent you, not the establishment."
Filing as of 5:00 Monday:
This district had SIX counties with over 100% in 2016. #CleanUpVoterFiles #Trump2020