By Illinois Review
A new internal poll shows State Rep. Norine Hammond trailing conservative challenger Josh Higgins by a stunning 54 percent to 15 percent – a crushing deficit that signals deep trouble for the longtime incumbent.
The numbers reflect what many voters across West Central Illinois are already seeing on the ground: Hammond’s attacks are backfiring, and Republican primary voters are ready for change.
According to campaign sources, Hammond’s recent mailers and mass text messages have focused heavily on personal attacks against Higgins, including dredging up a 15-year-old police report involving a family misunderstanding.
Critics say Hammond’s campaign misrepresented the dated report as a recent event and falsely portrayed Higgins as an active abuser.
In reality, Higgins is a U.S. Air Force veteran, a West Central School Board member, and a married father with deep roots in the district.
One mass text message, disguised as a “Public Safety Alert,” went even further – warning voters that Higgins “should be considered dangerous.” The message has sparked outrage among grassroots conservatives, many of whom say the tactic crossed a serious ethical line and may even rise to defamation.
Instead of weakening Higgins, the attacks appear to have energized his supporters.
Higgins’ wife posted a video on Facebook directly addressing the allegations and calling out Hammond’s tactics. In the video, she described the 15-year-old incident as a resolved misunderstanding and defended her husband as a devoted father and family man.
The video quickly gained traction, with widespread support pouring in from across the district.
At the same time, Higgins is consolidating support from prominent conservative leaders, including Congresswoman Mary Miller, State Rep. Chris Miller, State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, and State Rep. Jed Davis.
Their endorsements underscore what many voters already believe – that Higgins represents a stronger, more reliable conservative voice.
Meanwhile, Hammond faces growing scrutiny over her own record.
She faces mounting questions in what critics have dubbed “Pillowgate,” involving more than $23,000 in taxpayer funds allegedly directed to her and her husband’s decorating firm for office renovations that included pillows, blankets, and candy.
The payments were reportedly tied to her role in House Republican leadership.
Hammond’s political troubles may not stop there. A lawsuit filed by Higgins supporters alleges the Illinois Republican Party illegally used nonprofit postage discounts to boost Hammond’s campaign – a potential violation of federal postal laws that could constitute mail fraud.
The FBI has been formally asked to review the claims.
Beyond the investigations, Hammond’s conservative credentials are also being questioned. She received a 59 percent rating from CPAC in 2024 – an “F” grade.
She voted for the largest tax hike in Illinois history, opposed school choice legislation, and supported measures expanding transgender patient rights.
Financial records show she has accepted donations from Democrat-aligned unions, including AFSCME, a major financial backer of former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s political machine.
For many Republican voters, the contrast is clear. Higgins is campaigning on lower taxes, stronger families, and accountability in Springfield.
Hammond, by contrast, appears increasingly desperate as her polling numbers slide.
With momentum clearly on Higgins’ side, the 54-15 polling gap may signal not just a bad week for Hammond – but the end of an era.
