ALL GOP COUNTY CHAIRS IN NEW IL16th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ENDORSE DARIN LAHOOD FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2022
LaHood announces commitment of all 21 county chairs to his re-election campaign for newly redrawn district
DUNLAP, IL – U.S. Representative Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) announced today that the 21 Republican county party chairs in the new Illinois 16th Congressional District have endorsed his campaign for re-election. The 21 county party chairs represent a key coalition of grassroots Republican support as LaHood launches his re-election campaign.
“The county chairs are the foundation of the Illinois Republican Party, and I am thankful to have the support of the party chairs districtwide,” said LaHood. “I am disappointed that Governor Pritzker didn’t keep his campaign promises about fair maps during the redistricting process, but I am confident about hitting the campaign trail, running a vigorous race, and working hard to earn the trust of the voters in 2022. I am proud of what we have accomplished, proud of my conservative record in Washington, and proud to remain firmly rooted here in Illinois. It’s clear the 16th District wants a strong conservative voice in Washington representing our values and speaking for our communities.”
“Having the GOP county chair support, guidance, and organizational success behind Congressman LaHood this early in the race is significant,” said Political Director Jim Reis. “Their support is critical to running an efficient and effective race and having them on board was a key strategic goal. Congressman LaHood is ready to take his message of conservative values, bipartisan problem-solving, and outstanding constituent casework across the 16th District in the months ahead.”
Here is the full list of county chairs supporting Congressman LaHood:
County Republican Central Committee Chair
Boone County Owen Castanza
Bureau County Barry Welbers
DeKalb County Tim Bagby
Ford County Jeff Orr
Grundy County Aren Hansen
Henry County Jan Weber
Jo Daviess County Michael Dittmar
LaSalle County Larry Smith
Lee County Jim Schielein
Livingston County Kelly Kinate
Marshall County Charles Owen
McHenry County Tyler Wilke
McLean County Connie Beard
Ogle County Stacy Flanagan
Peoria County Steve Morris
Putnam County Jaye DeBates
Stark County Mike Bigger
Stephenson County Andrew Chesney
Tazewell County Jim Rule
Winnebago County Eli Nicolosi
Woodford County Tim Ruestman
“It’s great news that Congressman Darin LaHood will be representing Northwest Illinois under the new district map. I fully support and endorse him for re-election,” said Stephenson County Republican Chairman Andrew Chesney. “He’s a solid conservative leader who shares our values. He’s knowledgeable, effective, and if there is anything, I can do to help him, I will.”
Currently representing all or parts of 19 counties in central and west central Illinois, the revised map shifts the district northward. The new region, covering all or parts of 21 counties, still contains 12 counties that LaHood previously represented as either a state Senator or Congressman.
“We are so relieved and thankful that Darin is still representing McLean County,” said McLean County Republican Chairwoman Connie Beard. “He’s been so involved in our successes here in McLean County, and he does a great job of making sure that constituent casework and the needs of our county are considered into everything. He’s the kind of person that we want in Congress and I’m glad that it worked out for him to still be representing us.”
LaHood is an active campaigner who has a history of supporting candidates up and down the ticket in previous election cycles. He is also the Finance Chair for the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) for the 2022 election cycle. As a leader at both state and national levels, he is committed to promoting Republican candidates and furthering conservative values, promoting national security, and moving the American economy forward.
Darin LaHood has proudly represented Illinois in the United States House of Representatives since he was sworn in on September 17, 2015, after winning a special election to fill an unexpired term. As a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, he serves on both the Tax and the Trade subcommittees. He was appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in March 2021, where he serves on the C3 and INMAR subcommittees. LaHood represents a large portion of “Downstate” Illinois, considered the center of the American Heartland that drives our nation’s agribusiness economy. Since being elected to Congress, LaHood has worked to curb wasteful spending, expand economic opportunity, and ensure national security. Darin is a Central Illinois native, a dedicated family man, a community volunteer, and committed public servant. Born and raised in Central Illinois, LaHood resides in the Peoria area with his wife, Kristen, and their three sons, McKay, Luke, and Teddy.
