Election Results Set the Stage for IL Corn's Work Ahead

Governor JB Pritzker won a third term this week, defeating Republican Darren Bailey 60% to 37%. This marks the largest margin of victory in an Illinois gubernatorial race since former Gov. Jim Edgar won by 29 points in 1994. Pritzker is also the first Democrat in Illinois history to win a third term as governor. Julianna Stratton won the U.S. Senate seat, succeeding Dick Durbin after defeating Republican opponent Don Tracy by a significant margin. Democrats also retained all other statewide constitutional offices by wide margins. 

In the Illinois General Assembly, Senate Democrats flipped three seats previously held by Republicans, with three additional races potentially still too close to call. These gains build on the party’s existing supermajority. House Democrats also added to their supermajority, flipping at least three Republican-held seats, with several additional races still too close to call.

“Newly elected officials representing Illinois farm families and rural communities bring new opportunities for IL Corn,” said Rod Weinzierl, IL Corn Executive Director and Illinois farmer. “Between now and January 1, one of IL Corn Growers Association’s priorities will be watching for opportunities to advance our priority legislation during Congress’s lame-duck session. At the same time, we’ll be building relationships with new elected officials and helping them better understand and appreciate what farmers and the ag industry offer to Illinois, as well as what farm families need to succeed.”

In the U.S. House of Representatives, several Illinois incumbents secured reelection. Republicans Darin LaHood (IL-16), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Mike Bost (IL-12) won reelection. Democratic incumbents Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Bill Foster (IL-11), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Sean Casten (IL-06), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) also won reelection.

Five Democrats will join the Illinois Congressional delegation after winning open seats: Daniel Biss (IL-09), Melissa Bean (IL-08), LaShawn Ford (IL-07), Patty Garcia (IL-04), and Donna Miller (IL-02). 

While these election results bring several new faces to Illinois’ congressional delegation, IL Corn has already begun establishing working relationships with some of the newly elected officials. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Daniel Biss, and Patty Gacia have each met with IL Corn leaders, providing opportunities to discuss issues important to Illinois corn farmers and begin building a foundation for future collaboration.