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Illinois' 6th Congressional District election (March 20, 2018 Democratic primary)

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Illinois' 6th Congressional District
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: December 4, 2017
Primary: March 20, 2018
General: November 6, 2018
Pre-election incumbent:
Peter Roskam (Republican)
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in Illinois
Race ratings
Cook Partisan Voter Index (2018): R+2
Cook Political Report: Lean Democratic
Inside Elections: Tilt Democratic
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Lean Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds
U.S. House battlegrounds
Federal and state primary competitiveness
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
Illinois' 6th Congressional District
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Illinois elections, 2018
U.S. Congress elections, 2018
U.S. Senate elections, 2018
U.S. House elections, 2018


By a margin of more than 4,000 votes in DuPage County, engineer and entrepreneur Sean Casten (D) defeated scientist Kelly Mazeski (D) in the primary for Illinois' 6th Congressional District. He defeated Mazeski 29.5 percent to 26.8 percent overall.[1][2]

Five other candidates filed to appear on the March 20 primary ballot to challenge incumbent Rep. Peter Roskam: Naperville City Councilwoman Becky Anderson (D), attorney Carole Cheney (D), attorney Amanda Howland (D), data analyst Ryan Huffman (D), and attorney Jennifer Zordani (D).

Ballotpedia indentified Casten, Cheney, and Mazeski as top candidates in this race based on leads in campaign finance and endorsements. As of the end of 2017 campaign finance reports, Mazeski led in fundraising with $690,000 to Casten's $620,000, Anderson's $230,000, and Cheney's $210,000. Both Mazeski and Casten made large contributions to their own election bids in 2017, loaning their respective campaigns $295,000 and $430,000.[3]

As of February 2018, Mazeski had earned the endorsement of four sitting members of the House as well as the Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association and EMILY's List. Casten had drawn the support of a variety of figures with backgrounds in environmental policy, including 350.org founder Bill McKibben, former EPA Administrator Bill Reilly, and former Bill Clinton advisor Katie McGinty. Among Cheney's notable endorsements were two sitting members of the House.

Although Roskam (R) has represented the district since 2007 and no Democratic candidate has won election there since 1970, Politico listed the 6th District as one of ten House races to watch in 2018. Mitt Romney (R) carried the district by an 8 percent margin in the 2012 presidential election, but Hillary Clinton (D) flipped it, winning by a 7 percent margin in 2016.[4] Politico reporter Elena Schneider wrote in the article that the suburban nature of the district does not work in Roskam's favor and "since Trump took office, elections in Virginia, New Jersey and a handful of congressional special elections around the country have seen local candidates fall to or even below Trump’s levels in the suburbs."[4]

Illinois voter? Dates you need to know.
Primary electionMarch 20, 2018
Candidate filing deadlineDecember 4, 2017
Registration deadlineFebruary 20, 2018
Absentee application deadlineMarch 15, 2018
General electionNovember 6, 2018
Voting information
Primary typeOpen
Early voting deadlineMarch 19, 2018
Polling locations: Go to this page to find early voting locations and your assigned precinct for election day.


For more on related elections, please see:


Candidates and election results

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 6 on March 20, 2018.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 6

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Sean Casten
Sean Casten
 
29.5
 
19,774
Image of Kelly Mazeski
Kelly Mazeski
 
26.8
 
17,984
Image of Carole Cheney
Carole Cheney
 
17.4
 
11,663
Image of Amanda Howland
Amanda Howland
 
12.7
 
8,483
Image of Becky Anderson Wilkins
Becky Anderson Wilkins
 
6.0
 
4,001
Image of Jennifer Zordani
Jennifer Zordani
 
4.1
 
2,743
Image of Ryan Huffman
Ryan Huffman
 
3.5
 
2,365

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 67,013
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Election updates

  • February 28, 2018: Mazeski outspent the Democratic field during the pre-primary period, from January 1 through February 28, with $514,000 in expenditures. Casten spent $191,000 over the same time period.[5]
  • February 22, 2018: The Daily Herald endorsed Cheney. The editorial board wrote, "Among a field of highly qualified candidates, we prefer Cheney. Her first-hand insight into the workings of a congressional office can help her hit the ground running if she manages to get past Roskam in the fall, and she demonstrates an appealing mix of loyalty to progressive values and willingness to consider all points of view, a blend that would be a welcome addition to the Washington political climate."[6]
  • February 16, 2018
    • Mazeski released an ad, "Friend," that focuses on her personal battle with cancer and improving healthcare.[7]
    • The Chicago Tribune endorsed, saying, "We like Cheney’s balanced perspective on major issues such as health care — she wants to fix Obamacare and strengthen Medicare. She said she supports the concept of universal coverage but would take steps only 'in a way that makes sense economically.'"[8]
  • January 31, 2018: Campaign finance reports were due for the fourth quarter of 2017. The top three Democratic fundraisers were Casten, who raised $337,000, Mazeski with $267,000, and Wilkins with $125,000.[9]
  • January 30, 2018: Casten released his first campaign ad, "We Can't Rewind Trump's Presidency," where he criticizes Trump's position on the environment, healthcare, and abortion.[10]
  • January 10, 2018: Northside Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed Howland. "She has a history of advocating for progressive causes and has served in local government. She will advocate for universal healthcare, protect the environment, fund education and support net neutrality. Democrats need to go beyond opposing bad conservative policies; they need to advocate for a positive agenda that will move the United States forward. Amanda Howland is the kind of new blood needed to kick DC Democrats in the ass and get them to advocate for the 99%, not just to figure out the most pragmatic configuration of lobbyists to make happy today," said Carl Nyberg, the co-chair of Northside DFA.[11]

Top candidates

The candidates listed below were selected based on leads in endorsements and campaign finance as of the December 4, 2017, filing deadline. They are listed below in alphabetical order.

Democratic Party Sean Casten

Sean Casten.png

An energy executive who had not previously sought elected office, Casten worked as president of Turbosteam Corporation and Recycled Energy Development, LLC.[12]

In his September 2017 announcement speech, Casten referred to his background in science and engineering and criticized policies advocated by President Trump (R) and sitting Rep. Peter Roskam (R): "They are increasing the risk of global warming but the truth is ignoring reality hurts so much more. They are putting millions of people's lives and health at risk with their assault on the health-care system."[13] Casten's campaign website described the objective of his candidacy as "to bring policy to Washington that is based on facts – not fear."[14] The website highlights Casten's stances on gender equality, environmental regulations, and education.[15]

Casten received endorsements from 350.org founder Bill McKibben, SunEdison founder Jigar Shah, and former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Bill Reilly.

Democratic Party Carole Cheney

Carole Cheney.jpeg

A former reporter, attorney, and political staffer in the office of Rep. Bill Foster (D), Cheney ran to represent District 84 in the Illinois House of Representatives in 2012, but was defeated in the Democratic primary.[16][17]

In her July 2017 announcement speech, Cheney argued that sitting Rep. Peter Roskam (R) was not responsive to the district: "Peter Roskam is a mouthpiece of Donald Trump, and he hasn't been a voice for the people he serves. We need to get back down to the basics and see what our constituents are asking for."[18] Cheney's campaign website described the objective of her candidacy as "to give a voice back to the people of Illinois’ Sixth District" and highlights her policies on the environment, education, and healthcare.[19][20]

Cheney has received endorsements from Reps. Bill Foster (D) and Robin Kelly (D).

Democratic Party Kelly Mazeski

Kelly Mazeski.jpg

A former chemist and financial advisor, Mazeski ran to represent District 26 in the Illinois State Senate in 2012, but was defeated by incumbent Dan McConchie (R).[21]

In her May 2017 announcement speech, Mazeski referred to her previous bout with breast cancer and a then-ongoing effort to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. She said, "[A]s a mother who has lost her medical insurance twice, survived breast cancer, and have a daughter with a very serious medical condition, I think it’s time the voters in the Illinois 6th hold Peter Roskam accountable for making Americans pay more to get less in health care."[22] Mazeski's campaign website emphasized her stances on healthcare, education, and the environment.[23]

Mazeski received endorsements from EMILY's List and Reps. Cheri Bustos (D), Jan Schakowsky (D), Debbie Dingell (D), and Lois Frankel (D).

Candidate list

Democratic Party Democratic primary candidates

Campaign themes and policy stances

Campaign themes

These are the policy positions listed on the candidates' websites, if available.

Democratic Party Sean Casten

“ Immigration

For too long, we have written immigration policy at the corners, rarely with a holistic view of our national goals or interests. Moreover, immigration is too often an afterthought to other initiatives. International narcotics policy, the ‘war on terror’ and economic policy are set nationally, but also frustrate the effectiveness of local law enforcement, whether it be their community policing programs or their ability to coordinate with their cross-border colleagues.

We cannot ignore the fact that our historic immigration policy has been used by polemicists to scapegoat foreigners rather than address fundamental challenges in the economy; it is always easier to blame others than it is to honestly confront structural changes in the U.S. economy, but that doesn’t make it right.

Women's Rights and Opportunity We must support and expand upon women’s rights and opportunity – from protecting reproductive rights, fighting for equal pay for equal work, defending women subjected to harassment and abuse, and so much more. Not only do our laws fall short of granting women equality, we have a culture that has been perpetuated inequality and injustices against women.

Environment I am a scientist and a clean energy entrepreneur. Climate change is the challenge of our generation, and it has motivated me to spend nearly 2 decades designing, building and installing over 70 different on-site clean heat and power plants at industrial facilities to reduce CO2 emissions while saving money on energy costs. My experience has shown that you don’t have to choose between protecting the planet and creating jobs.

President Trump and Congressman Roskam, faced with the same evidence, have placed politics above facts. Under their leadership, we have done nothing to address climate risks, and in fact are headed in the wrong direction. President Trump pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement and Congressman Roskam calls climate change “junk science.”

In the immediate term, there are a number of things we can do that should be an absolute policy focus. There are well developed but underutilized energy conversion technologies that are hampered by policies and overlooked business opportunities. I have written and spoken at length about these barriers and can say with confidence that to fix them is simply a matter of political will. It is time for facts to inform policy.

Education We need to make sure we have the best education system in the world so that our kids are ready for the jobs that are coming. I believe government should absolutely fund K-12 education, with maximum investment at the earliest grades. There is a tremendous evidence that supports the positive impact after-school care and subsidized school lunch programs have on student performance and retention—we should continue such programs that make it easier for economically disadvantaged students to come to and stay in school.

Regarding higher education, we need to make sure we have access not only to four year college, but also job training and technical skills. We should look at incentivizing trade schools for students who don’t necessarily want to attend a four-year university. We will always need teachers, electricians, nurses, masons, and carpenters and these can provide solid middle class jobs if we make sure people are trained for them.

Healthcare Congressman Roskam voted for a health care bill that would have cut billions from Medicaid, allowed insurance companies to discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions, and caused over 20 million people to lose insurance. This is just another example of Congressman Roskam standing with Donald Trump, and not the people of Illinois.

Obamacare isn’t perfect, but the data is clear: it made meaningful progress in protecting patient’s rights and expanding coverage to more Americans. We need an affordable health care system that works for everyone. It’s clear from data in other countries, that a single payer system produces better health outcomes at a lower per-capita cost to taxpayers. So as a Member of Congress, I will fight to preserve common sense protections to patients, expand coverage for those who can’t afford it, and lower the cost of care as we move to make sure health coverage is truly universal.

Jobs During my career I’ve rejected the notion that we have to pick between a better environment or creating jobs. I know we can have both, because that’s what I’ve spent my career doing. And I can tell you that the barriers to doing this are neither technological nor economic – they are policy barriers. What we need to do to grow the economy and create jobs is the exact opposite of what Trump and Congressman Roskam propose.

Infrastructure is one of the best investments we can make, because those jobs can’t be outsourced. And, it gives our businesses and citizens the tools to grow and create even more jobs. We need an infrastructure package that invests both federal dollars and private capital to build critical and necessary bridges, roads, power plants and industrial facilities that will provide decades of future value. These are the things that are going to help the economy, and the middle class.

Futhermore, clean energy is another area where we could be growing jobs, by investing in research and technology so that the next generation of wind turbines, solar panels, fuel cells and more are designed and manufactured right here, by American workers.

LGBTQ Rights We’ve made extraordinary progress as a society in expanding equality for LGBTQ Americans, but we still have work to do. Too many LGBTQ children face harassment, are exposed to homelessness, and take their own lives. Too many qualified members of our workforce face discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity. And too many gaps exist in our civil rights laws, leaving LGBTQ Americans without the full protections that other citizens enjoy. [24]

”
—Sean Casten for Congress[25]

Democratic Party Carole Cheney

“ Environment

Climate change is a very real threat and we already are seeing its devastating impact. But the Trump Administration has rejected science-based environmental and energy policy, instead catering to big oil companies through tax credits and loopholes. In Congress, I will stand up against Donald Trump’s assault on environmental protections. As a mother of two, I believe that we are stewards of our natural resources and have an obligation to preserve and protect our environment.

That’s why in Congress, I will champion renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, that also have been proven to create green jobs right here in Illinois and across the county. I will stand up against the Trump Administration’s assault on the EPA and sound science. I will also push for the reinstatement of our participation in the Paris Climate Agreement, end fossil fuel subsidies, protect public lands, and oppose dangerous pipeline proposals.

Clean Air and Clean Water Protecting Illinois’ majestic landscape should not be a partisan issue. It’s unacceptable that Donald Trump and Peter Roskam have made protecting our air and water a political issue at the expense of sound, forward-looking policy. Our environment and natural resources support businesses like agriculture and tourism which boost job growth across the state. That’s why in Congress, I will support strengthening and enforcing the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act to protect our environment and natural resources to ensure we maintain its positive economic impact.

Renewable Energy For too long, Republicans like Peter Roskam have subsidized and protected the energy industry at the expense of both our environment and American taxpayers. It’s time for Congress to end the loopholes and special tax breaks given to the oil industry, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and incentivize innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector.

Developing clean energy technologies will not only result in a better environment, but in the creation of new, higher paying jobs. Our state has seen the economic benefits of a strong clean energy sector. In Washington, I will close loopholes that benefit the oil industry and require oil companies to disclose the contents of fracking fluid which could poison our drinking water. I will also prioritize a renewable standard to ensure that by 2050, 50 percent of our power is generated from a renewable source.

A Leader in the Fight Against Climate Change The U.S. made important strides over the last decade in fighting the effects of climate change. Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement cedes up our leadership role on climate issues to countries like China and sends the wrong message worldwide. In Congress, I will stand in strong opposition to Republican efforts to attack the science behind climate change, and will work to make the U.S. a leader in fighting climate change once again.

Education

Every American deserves access to a quality and affordable education. Yet Donald Trump and Peter Roskam are committed to taking resources away from our public schools and making higher education even more expensive and out of reach for millions of Americans. Republican-backed policies have led to teachers being let go, larger class sizes, and less attention to the students who need it most. Education is our country’s great equalizer. In Congress, I will be an unwavering ally of our public schools and our teachers, and ensure that higher education is attainable and affordable for all Americans.

K-12 Fostering a strong education system starts with building our public schools and supporting our teachers. That means recruiting and training quality teachers, while also supporting and advocating for them throughout their careers. We also need to prepare our students for the significant changes anticipated in our increasingly automated economy in the coming decades. In Congress, I will always put our public schools first and work with local businesses to promote curriculums that ensure students graduate with the fundamental skills they need to succeed, whether in college or in the job market.

STEM Education In this global economy, we need to make sure that our kids can compete. That’s why I’ll make sure we’re investing in STEM education and expanding opportunities for kids to go to college or get vocational training.

Higher Education As a mother of two kids in college who have student loans, I know how daunting and crippling student debt can be. It’s undeniable that the skyrocketing tuition prices have put college out of reach for countless families, and it’s unacceptable that a higher education comes with thousands of dollars in debt. Student debt in this country is harming not only those saddled with massive loans, but also our nation’s economy by diverting money that could have been spent purchasing goods and services. That’s why I support initiatives to reduce student loan debt, such as increasing our investment in Pell Grants and making income-based repayment plans accessible to more graduates.

Technical and community colleges also offer an affordable opportunity to develop the cutting-edge skills needed to enter the workforce, yet there is still more we can do. Encouraging partnerships between technical colleges and the private sector through apprenticeships and recruitment programs will make tuition more affordable and ensure our students are graduating with the training needed to succeed.

In this great nation, college costs should not be a barrier to higher education. I will work to end the barriers to higher education that both contribute to our nation’s growing income inequality and are hampering economic growth.

Healthcare

Every American has a right to accessible, affordable and quality healthcare. But that right is under attack. Republicans like Peter Roskam have been working hard to to strip health care away from millions of Americans and their families. I will fight to ensure every American has access to health care by exploring options ranging from a public option to provide additional choice, lowering the eligibility age for Medicare, and working to find rational ways to reduce costs while providing quality health care.

We need a strong leader in Washington who understands the importance of affordable healthcare and will fight to protect Medicare and Social Security. As your Congresswoman, I will be a strong advocate for affordable and quality health care, and work to ensure that no American ever worries about whether or not they will lose their healthcare because of partisan politics in Washington.

Affordable Care Act As someone who receives their healthcare through the marketplace, I understand firsthand the disastrous impact that repealing the ACA would have on millions of American families and on our economy. That’s why I will defend the Affordable Care Act and stand up to Republican efforts to strip affordable health care from millions of Americans. Peter Roskam has repeatedly tried to repeal the ACA. Rather than sabotage the ACA, we should work to improve our healthcare system so that healthcare is affordable and accessible to all.

Protecting Planned Parenthood I am strong advocate of women’s reproductive rights and the services provided by Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of both family planning services and health care to poor women. I will work to protect every woman’s right to make informed choices about her body in consultation with her doctor and without the interference of politicians. As Congressman Foster’s District Chief of Staff, I toured the Planned Parenthood facility in Aurora in the wake of an arson incident to provide moral support to people who work there and to stand up for Planned Parenthood. I will work to ensure Planned Parenthood can continue to provide crucial health and family planning services to millions of American families.

Social Security and Medicare Social Security and Medicare are two important promises made to seniors that we must keep. Donald Trump and Peter Roskam have already set their sights on cutting Social Security and Medicare to pay for more handouts to special interests. In Congress, I will oppose efforts to privatize Social Security and attempts to decrease funding for Medicare.

Fighting the Opioid Epidemic I will work to address the opioid epidemic that is devastating so many communities throughout Illinois. Virtually everyone in our District knows someone whose life has been impacted in some way by the opioid crisis. In Congressman Foster’s office, I worked closely with local governments and community organizations in battling this scourge. We can combat the epidemic by supporting effective treatment, and we can curb its expansion by holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to prioritize human lives over profits.

Economy

I grew up in a modest, middle-class family. My brothers and I were taught that if we worked hard we would have opportunity and the chance to succeed. This seems out of reach today. Many people still have not fully recovered from the financial crisis, and small business has been particularly slow to recover. Our region has long been at the forefront of economic growth and industrialization, but automation continues to change our workplace and require different skills from our nation’s workers. It’s time for Congress to put our economy and American workers first, and stop promoting damaging trade deals that incentivize American companies to send jobs overseas. I will support policies that enable the middle-class to expand and grow in the economy of today and tomorrow.

Income Inequality Since the 1980s, wages have stagnated for everyone except the extremely rich. Donald Trump said he would fight for the middle class, but instead he has advocated for corporations and special interests. Likewise, Peter Roskam led efforts to pass a tax bill that rewards large corporations and pays for it by raising taxes on the middle class. We need policies in Congress that reward hard work, and place economic security in reach for families throughout our communities.

Training With constantly emerging technologies and workplace innovations, we need to make sure our workers can compete in the global job market. Here in Illinois, we’ve seen the success of job training programs such as the Manufacturing Careers Internship Program, a technical training program that helps young people develop what they need to pursue manufacturing careers while providing companies with trained workers. But there is still more we can and must do, like encouraging private sector investment in job recruitment programs and apprenticeships to help our workers get ahead and succeed.

Trade Deals Our community has seen the devastating impact of trade deals like NAFTA. But when negotiated fairly, trade can offer an opportunity to create jobs, foster economic growth, and encourage businesses to pick Illinois as their home. That’s why I support fixing NAFTA to make sure we keep jobs here at home.

In Congress, I will only support trade deals that are fair to the very workers they are supposed to benefit. This means supporting deals that include worker standards to ensure employees are safe and treated fairly in the workplace. Similarly, trade deals must also include strict environmental standards and protections from currency manipulation to make sure our businesses can compete fairly in the global market. [24]

”
—Carole Cheney for Congress[26]

Democratic Party Kelly Mazeski

“ Healthcare

My daughter and I are living examples of the importance of quality, affordable healthcare. Like millions of other American women, I am a breast cancer survivor. During my treatment two years ago, and while my daughter was struggling with a pre-existing condition, I was informed that our family would be dropped by our insurance company. Since then, we have had healthcare coverage from three different companies due to the changing market. I understand firsthand the fear of not getting coverage due to a pre-existing condition. The recent healthcare bills presented in Congress by Republican legislators would make it difficult, if not impossible, for my family to find insurance coverage.

I believe that anyone with a medical condition should always be able to get treatment. My family’s insurance provided us with access to the doctors and treatments that my daughter and I needed, and I believe that everyone should have the same access to the best healthcare possible.

The House bill that Peter Roskam voted for raises costs, cuts coverage and weakens vital protections for those with pre-existing conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke, epilepsy and certain mental health disorders. It also allows insurers to charge people over the age of 50 five times more for premiums than others, creating what the AARP calls an “age tax.” It calls for cuts in Medicaid which will cause an estimated 650,000 working Illinoisans to lose health care coverage altogether. Many groups, from the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Catholic Health Association, say it would cost everyone more by hiking up co-pays and premiums and also cause tens of millions of Americans to lose access to life-saving care.

Peter Roskam called the ACHA “a good bill” but refuses to hold open town hall meetings, look 6th District voters in the eye and explain why he voted to make them pay more but get less care.

The bottom line is that all Republican proposals will cause you and your families to pay more money to get less insurance coverage for health care.

I believe that a public option for all people to buy into Medicare, existing alongside private insurance plans, is the fastest way to give Americans more affordable choices when it comes to their healthcare coverage. People would have the ability to buy into Medicare if they want, but would also be free to choose private insurance.

A study by the Congressional Budget Office found that a public insurance option would save taxpayers $158 billion over 10 years and extend coverage to the millions of Americans who remain uninsured. I will work with anyone who shares the ultimate goal of lowering costs and increasing coverage.

We must also reduce the high costs associated with health care in our country. The same procedures and medicines that we use here cost much less in other countries. In order to lower prices, I would work to end price gouging by hospitals, allow Medicare Part D to negotiate lower drug prices just like the Veterans Administration does now, crack down on drug companies that spike prices for life-saving medications like EpiPens and inject competition into the health care system to get our health care spending under control.

I’m fully committed to protecting and enhancing Social Security and Medicare for current and future generations to ensure our seniors are protected.

Environment

I have been a fierce advocate for the environment all of my life. As Energy and Environment Outreach Coordinator for the national Obama campaign, I organized volunteers around the country to deliver the campaign’s message on environmental protection and clean energy investment and how the latter can create economic growth. I was also elected to the Illinois Environment Council in 2014, where I have been able to lend my voice to important environmental issues.

Climate Change

The Earth’s climate is changing – that is a fact. How we deal with it and what kind of environment we leave to our children is up to us. The United States should be adhering to the Paris Climate Accord. We can’t let the Trump Administration roll back protections that only benefit billionaires and large corporations at the expense of everyone else.

Clean Energy

Innovation has always been the American way and we should focus on developing new energy technology that is better for the environment and spurs economic growth. We can combat climate change and create millions of jobs by turning America into a clean energy superpower that leads the world in developing solar, wind and fuel cell technology while expanding energy efficiency. Efficiency is key because the most plentiful and cleanest energy is the energy we don’t waste. Installing energy efficiency technology creates thousands of high-paying union jobs, the kind we need here in the western suburbs.

Education

With education costs rising, it’s getting harder and harder for families to send their kids to college, putting the American Dream at risk for many. Thanks to my parents’ sacrifice and the values they taught me, I was the first in my family to attend college, earning a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. And because loans were affordable when I attended college, I was able to pay mine back.

For too many families today, it is simply not possible to save enough money to cover the spiraling cost of higher education, resulting in many students getting loans that turn into overwhelming debt after they graduate.

Student Loans

I support making continuing education affordable and reforming the student loan system. Students should be able to obtain or refinance loans with low, competitive interest rates and use income based repayment plans for payback. By 2020, it is estimated that 35 percent of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree and another 30 percent will require certifications or an associate degree. That’s why I support making it easier to transfer credits from community colleges to four-year universities, allowing a more affordable path for students to earn a bachelor’s degree. I advocate increasing the number and dollar amounts of Pell Grants available to lower-income students. Enabling the most motivated in our society to attend college without the fear of crippling debt should be the foundation of our government’s investment in the future of our workforce.

Job Training

For those who choose to not pursue a four-year degree, we must provide training for the actual jobs available today and in the future. Blue-collar jobs are essential to our community and should provide workers with a good standard of living. I will work to foster university-industry partnerships to ensure America’s companies have access to the best trained workforce. It is vital that in addition to raising the next generation of scientists and mathematicians, we must present young people with the opportunity to learn skills in craft and trades that are still needed for today’s workforce. I also fully support retraining programs to ensure Americans whose jobs are at risk due to automation have the opportunity to go back to school to learn new skills.

Defending Public Schools

I will stand up to Betsy Devos and Bruce Rauner and their plans to divert federal and state school funding away from DuPage, Kane, Cook, McHenry and Lake County public schools, giving vouchers and tax breaks to those who send their kids to private academies and for-profit charter schools. It’s just another back door giveaway to the privileged that guts funding for public schools and forces higher property taxes on everyone else.

Jobs and the Economy

Small Businesses

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the US economy. We must support policies that enhance the growth of small businesses, whether through tax breaks or incentives, ensuring that they can continue to hire new workers. My husband is a small business owner so we understand the challenges faced by millions of Americans who want to both grow their business and provide good paying jobs to members of their community. We have seen the positive effects of encouraging entrepreneurship right here in Chicago. Organizations like 1871, Chicago’s Technology and Entrepreneurship Center, have helped hundreds of startups launch and grow into successful companies. We need to encourage this sort of leadership and partnership with businesses and learning institutions.

Infrastructure

American infrastructure is also facing a major crisis. The American Society of Civil Engineers rated our nationwide infrastructure a D+, underscoring how critical it is that the government take action to rebuild our crumbling roadways, railways, seaports, and airports. I will support bipartisan efforts to invest in rebuilding and expanding our infrastructure nationwide, which will both create high-paying construction jobs in the short-term and spur investment and economic growth in the long-term.

Creating Good Jobs

Millions of Americans still feel insecure about their economic situation. The basis of the American Dream is that if you work hard, you can get ahead. Three of my grandparents worked in factories, earning a solid middle-class wage. I will work to ensure that these kind of well-paying jobs are available in the Illinois 6th Congressional District and nationwide to ensure that Americans have opportunities for themselves and their families.

Wages have stagnated while major corporations earn record profits and the stock market hits all-time highs. I support a minimum wage increase to $15. Every hard-working Illinoisan working a 40-hour week deserves a living wage and should be able to support themselves while saving for the future. It is estimated that in the next decade, the US will need to fill 3.5 million skilled manufacturing jobs which is why I support job training initiatives, including tax incentives for employers, so businesses can help students pursue careers in high-tech manufacturing.

Taxes

The combination of property, sales, state, and federal taxes make Illinois one of the highest taxed states in the country. We need to cut waste, eliminate unneeded regulations and reform the tax code to reduce the burden on the middle class. I will work to eliminate tax breaks for special interests, like the carried interest loophole, and ban tax breaks for companies that ship U.S. jobs overseas.

Equity for Women

I am proudly Pro-Choice and stand with Planned Parenthood and other groups that provide numerous healthcare services to women nationwide. I also support fair pay maternity leave and equal pay policies at the federal level.

Women must have the freedom to make decisions about their own health without fear of government encroachment. The Affordable Care Act expanded access to health services critical for women, including: maternity care, annual well-woman exams, birth control, screening and counseling for sexually transmitted diseases and domestic partner violence. I am deeply troubled by Republican attempts to repeal these services and will fight to ensure they are provided for in any healthcare reform bill presented by Congress.

Planned Parenthood is often the only source of healthcare for many women nationwide. The efforts by Peter Roskam and President Trump to defund the organization threatens the availability of pregnancy services, STD testing, health education and numerous other programs for thousands of women. I am and will continue to be a staunch defender of Planned Parenthood.

Other developed nations have fair pay maternity and paternity leave policies that enable women to spend time with their newborn children. I believe mothers and fathers should have the right to paid family leave so they can spend time with their families when they are needed most. [24]

”
—Kelly Mazeski for Congress[27]

February 28, 2018, candidate forum

All seven candidate participated in a forum hosted by Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters on February 28, 2018, where they discussed gun regulations in the wake of the Parkland shooting:[28]

  • Anderson Wilkins supported gun take-back programs and praised Dick's Sporting Goods for ending its sale of military-style semi-automatic rifles.
  • Casten said legislators should focus on preventing people with a history of domestic violence from accessing guns and said guns should be regulated liked cars, when it comes to insurance and liability.
  • Cheney said gun violence should be treated like a public health epidemic. "Every time there is a tragedy in this country, we talk about what could have been done to prevent that tragedy, and it's like plugging holes. Unless we address this issue comprehensively, we will not make real change," she said.
  • Howland discussed mental health treatment. "In terms of gun deaths, the largest number of deaths in this country come from using a gun for suicide," she said.
  • Huffman called for the repeal of the Dickey Amendment, which prohibits government studies of gun violence as a public health issue, and said the National Rifle Association should not have so much influence.
  • Mazeski also supported the repeal of the Dickey Amendment and called for a federal ban on "assault and semi-assault weapons and selling bump stocks and high-capacity magazines."
  • Zordani opposed arming teachers and said, "We need to stop gun trafficking, which means enforcing the laws that we have and preventing straw purchasers, implementing universal background checks and an assault weapons ban that includes banning high-capacity magazine extenders."

December 15, 2017, candidate forum

A candidate forum was held on December 15, 2017, among all seven candidates. The Daily Herald noted each candidate's background and identified the key issue emphasized by each at the forum:[29]

Candidate Background Key Issue
Becky Anderson Naperville City Councilwoman and business owner Health care
Sean Casten Engineer & scientist Climate change
Carole Cheney Former journalist, attorney, and Congressional staff member Tax code
Amanda Howland Attorney & College of Lake County trustee Education
Ryan Huffman Data analyst & former intern for former President Barack Obama (D) Climate change
Kelly Mazeski Former chemist & financial advisor Health care
Jennifer Zordani Attorney Economy & financial markets

Endorsements

Democratic candidate endorsements
Endorsement Date Casten Cheney Howland Mazeski
Federal officials
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)[30] December 22, 2017 ✔
Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL)[30] December 22, 2017 ✔
Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL)[31] November 17, 2017 ✔
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)[31] November 17, 2017 ✔
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL)[32] September 19, 2017 ✔
Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)[33] July 24, 2017 ✔
National figures
350.org founder Bill McKibben[34] November 28, 2017 ✔
Former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Bill Reilly[34] November 28, 2017 ✔
SunEdison founder Jigar Shah[34] Novemrber 28, 2017 ✔
Former Assistant Secretary of Energy Dan Reicher[35] November 8, 2017 ✔
Former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Commissioner Nora Mead Brownell[35] November 8, 2017 ✔
Former Bill Clinton advisor Katie McGinty[36] September 28, 2017 ✔
State figures
State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D)[37] November 14, 2017 ✔
Local figures
McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks (D)[38] October 30, 2017 ✔
Organizations
Northside Democracy for America[39] January 10, 2018 ✔
Climate Hawks Vote[40] December 13, 2017 ✔
Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association[41] December 13, 2017 ✔
EMILY's List[42] November 21, 2017 ✔
Newspapers
The Daily Herald[6] February 22, 2018 ✔
The Chicago Tribune[8] February 16, 2018 ✔


Campaign finance

Democratic Party Democrats
Year-End 2017 Report

October 2017 Report

Campaign strategies and tactics

Campaign advertisements

Sean Casten

Support
"We Can't Rewind Trump's Presidency" - Casten campaign video, released January 30, 2018

Kelly Mazeski

Support
"Friend" - Mazeski campaign video, released February 16, 2018

Online presence

The following social media statistics were compiled on February 11, 2018.

Facebook Twitter
Candidate Followers Likes Comments on Last Ten Posts Followers Following Tweets
Democratic Party Casten 5,252 5,142 70 1,797 387 7,988
Democratic Party Cheney 1,398 1,348 6 395 75 96
Democratic Party Mazeski 1,813 1,648 2 3,832 471 501


Republican district won by Hillary Clinton

See also: U.S. House districts represented by a Republican and won by Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Split-ticket districts in the 2016 presidential and U.S. House elections

This district was one of 25 Republican-held U.S. House districts that Hillary Clinton (D) won in the 2016 presidential election.[43] Nearly all were expected to be among the House's most competitive elections in 2018.

Click on the table below to see the full list of districts.


2018 election results in Republican-held U.S. House districts won by Hillary Clinton in 2016
District Incumbent 2018 winner 2018 margin 2016 presidential margin 2012 presidential margin
Arizona's 2nd Republican Party Martha McSally Democratic Party Ann Kirkpatrick D+9.5 Clinton+4.9 Romney+1.5
California's 10th Republican Party Jeff Denham Democratic Party Josh Harder D+2.6 Clinton+3.0 Obama+3.6
California's 21st Republican Party David Valadao Democratic Party TJ Cox D+0.8 Clinton+15.5 Obama+11.1
California's 25th Republican Party Steve Knight Democratic Party Katie Hill D+6.4 Clinton+6.7 Romney+1.9
California's 39th Republican Party Ed Royce Democratic Party Gil Cisneros D+1.4 Clinton+8.6 Romney+3.7
California's 45th Republican Party Mimi Walters Democratic Party Katie Porter D+1.6 Clinton+5.4 Romney+11.8
California's 48th Republican Party Dana Rohrabacher Democratic Party Harley Rouda D+5.8 Clinton+1.7 Romney+11.7
California's 49th Republican Party Darrell Issa Democratic Party Mike Levin D+7.4 Clinton+7.5 Romney+6.7
Colorado's 6th Republican Party Mike Coffman Democratic Party Jason Crow D+11.2 Clinton+8.9 Obama+5.1
Florida's 26th Republican Party Carlos Curbelo Democratic Party Debbie Mucarsel-Powell D+1.8 Clinton+16.1 Obama+11.5
Florida's 27th Republican Party Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Democratic Party Donna Shalala D+6.0 Clinton+19.7 Obama+6.7
Illinois' 6th Republican Party Peter Roskam Democratic Party Sean Casten D+5.6 Clinton+7.0 Romney+8.2
Kansas' 3rd Republican Party Kevin Yoder Democratic Party Sharice Davids D+9.1 Clinton+1.2 Romney+9.5
Minnesota's 3rd Republican Party Erik Paulsen Democratic Party Dean Phillips D+11.4 Clinton+9.4 Obama+0.8
New Jersey's 7th Republican Party Leonard Lance Democratic Party Tom Malinowski D+4.7 Clinton+1.1 Romney+6.2
New York's 24th Republican Party John Katko Republican Party John Katko R+6.3 Clinton+3.6 Obama+15.9
Pennsylvania's 1st Republican Party Brian Fitzpatrick[44] Republican Party Brian Fitzpatrick R+2.6 Clinton+2.0 Obama+2.6
Pennsylvania's 5th Republican Party Pat Meehan[45] Democratic Party Mary Gay Scanlon D+30.2 Clinton+28.2 Obama+27.7
Pennsylvania's 6th Republican Party Ryan Costello[46] Democratic Party Chrissy Houlahan D+17.6 Clinton+9.3 Obama+3.2
Pennsylvania's 7th Republican Party Charlie Dent[47] Democratic Party Susan Wild D+11.3 Clinton+1.1 Obama+7.0
Texas' 7th Republican Party John Culberson Democratic Party Lizzie Pannill Fletcher D+5.0 Clinton+1.4 Romney+21.3
Texas' 23rd Republican Party Will Hurd Republican Party Will Hurd R+0.5 Clinton+3.4 Romney+2.6
Texas' 32nd Republican Party Pete Sessions Democratic Party Colin Allred D+6.3 Clinton+1.9 Romney+15.5
Virginia's 10th Republican Party Barbara Comstock Democratic Party Jennifer Wexton D+12.4 Clinton+10.0 Romney+1.6
Washington's 8th Republican Party David Reichert Democratic Party Kim Schrier D+6.2 Clinton+3.0 Obama+1.6


Click here to see the 13 Democratic-held U.S. House districts that Donald Trump (R) won.

Click here to see an overview of all split-ticket districts in the 2016 presidential and U.S. House elections..

Race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Race ratings: Illinois' 6th Congressional District election, 2018
Race tracker Race ratings
October 30, 2018 October 23, 2018October 16, 2018October 9, 2018
The Cook Political Report Lean Democratic Lean DemocraticLean DemocraticToss-up
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales Tilt Democratic Tilt DemocraticTilt DemocraticTilt Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball Lean Democratic Lean DemocraticToss-upToss-up
Note: Ballotpedia updates external race ratings every two weeks throughout the election season.

District election history

2016

See also: Illinois' 6th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Peter Roskam (R) defeated Amanda Howland (D) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Roskam defeated Gordon Kinzler in the Republican primary on March 15, 2016, while Howland defeated Robert Marshall to win the Democratic nomination.[48][49]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPeter Roskam Incumbent 59.2% 208,555
     Democratic Amanda Howland 40.8% 143,591
Total Votes 352,146
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections


U.S. House, Illinois District 6 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngAmanda Howland 67.1% 51,101
Robert Marshall 32.9% 25,027
Total Votes 76,128
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections
U.S. House, Illinois District 6 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngPeter Roskam Incumbent 68.8% 83,344
Gordon Kinzler 31.2% 37,834
Total Votes 121,178
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections

2014

See also: Illinois' 6th Congressional District elections, 2014

The 6th Congressional District of Illinois held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Peter Roskam (R) defeated challenger Michael Mason (D) in the general election.

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPeter Roskam Incumbent 67.1% 160,278
     Democratic Michael Mason 32.9% 78,465
Total Votes 238,743
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections Official Results

General election candidates


March 18, 2014, primary results

Republican Party Republican Primary

Democratic Party Democratic Primary


2012

See also: Illinois' 6th Congressional District elections, 2012

The 6th Congressional District of Illinois held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. Incumbent Peter Roskam was re-elected in the district.[51]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPeter Roskam Incumbent 59.2% 193,138
     Democratic Leslie Coolidge 40.8% 132,991
Total Votes 326,129
Source: Illinois Board of Elections "2012 General Election Official Vote Totals"

2010

On November 2, 2010, Peter Roskam won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Benjamin S. Lowe (D) in the general election.[52]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2010
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPeter Roskam incumbent 63.6% 114,456
     Democratic Benjamin S. Lowe 36.4% 65,379
Total Votes 179,835

2008

On November 4, 2008, Peter Roskam won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Jill Morgenthaler (D) in the general election.[53]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2008
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPeter Roskam incumbent 57.6% 147,906
     Democratic Jill Morgenthaler 42.4% 109,007
Total Votes 256,913

2006

On November 7, 2006, Peter Roskam won election to the United States House. He defeated Tammy Duckworth (D) in the general election.[54]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2006
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngPeter Roskam 51.4% 91,382
     Democratic Tammy Duckworth 48.6% 86,572
     N/A Write-in 0% 3
Total Votes 177,957

2004

On November 2, 2004, Henry J. Hyde won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Christine Cegelis (D) in the general election.[55]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2004
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngHenry J. Hyde incumbent 55.8% 139,627
     Democratic Christine Ceglis 44.2% 110,470
Total Votes 250,097

2002

On November 5, 2002, Henry J. Hyde won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Tom Berry (D) in the general election.[56]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2002
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngHenry J. Hyde incumbent 65.1% 113,174
     Democratic Tom Berry 34.9% 60,698
Total Votes 173,872

2000

On November 7, 2000, Henry J. Hyde won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Brent Christensen (D) in the general election.[57]

U.S. House, Illinois District 6 General Election, 2000
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngHenry J. Hyde incumbent 58.9% 133,327
     Democratic Brent Christensen 41.1% 92,880
Total Votes 226,207

District analysis

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index
See also: FiveThirtyEight's elasticity scores

The 2017 Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was R+2, meaning that in the previous two presidential elections, this district's results were 2 percentage points more Republican than the national average. This made Illinois' 6th Congressional District the 222nd most Republican nationally.[58]

FiveThirtyEight's September 2018 elasticity score for states and congressional districts measured "how sensitive it is to changes in the national political environment." This district's elasticity score was 1.02. This means that for every 1 point the national political mood moved toward a party, the district was expected to move 1.02 points toward that party.[59]

State overview

Partisan control

This section details the partisan control of federal and state positions in Illinois heading into the 2018 elections.

Congressional delegation

State executives

State legislature

  • Democrats controlled both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. They had a 67-51 majority in the state House and a 37-22 majority in the state Senate.

Trifecta status

  • Illinois was under divided government, meaning that the two parties shared control of the state government. Bruce Rauner (R) served as governor, while Democrats controlled the state legislature.

2018 elections

See also: Illinois elections, 2018

Illinois held elections for the following positions in 2018:

Demographics

Demographic data for Illinois
 IllinoisU.S.
Total population:12,839,047316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):55,5193,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:72.3%73.6%
Black/African American:14.3%12.6%
Asian:5%5.1%
Native American:0.2%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0%0.2%
Two or more:2.2%3%
Hispanic/Latino:16.5%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:87.9%86.7%
College graduation rate:32.3%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$57,574$53,889
Persons below poverty level:16.8%11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Illinois.
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

As of July 2016, Illinois' three largest cities were Chicago (pop. est. 2.7 million), Aurora (pop. est. 200,000), and Joliet (pop. est. 150,000).[60][61]

State election history

This section provides an overview of federal and state elections in Illinois from 2000 to 2016. All data comes from the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Historical elections

Presidential elections, 2000-2016

This chart shows the results of the presidential election in Illinois every year from 2000 to 2016.

Election results (President of the United States), Illinois 2000-2016
Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
2016 Democratic Party Hillary Clinton 55.8% Republican Party Donald Trump 38.8% 17.0%
2012 Democratic Party Barack Obama 57.6% Republican Party Mitt Romney 40.7% 16.9%
2008 Democratic Party Barack Obama 61.9% Republican Party John McCain 36.8% 25.1%
2004 Democratic Party John Kerry 54.8% Republican Party George W. Bush 44.5% 10.3%
2000 Democratic Party Al Gore 54.6% Republican Party George W. Bush 42.6% 12.0%

U.S. Senate elections, 2000-2016

This chart shows the results of U.S. Senate races in Illinois from 2000 to 2016. Every state has two Senate seats, and each seat goes up for election every six years. The terms of the seats are staggered so that roughly one-third of the seats are up every two years.

Election results (U.S. Senator), Illinois 2000-2016
Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
2016 Democratic Party Tammy Duckworth 54.9% Republican Party Mark Kirk 39.8% 15.1%
2014 Democratic Party Dick Durbin 53.5% Republican Party Jim Oberweis 42.7% 10.8%
2010 Republican Party Mark Kirk 48.0% Democratic Party Alexander Giannoulias 46.4% 1.6%
2008 Democratic Party Dick Durbin 67.8% Republican Party Steve Sauerberg 28.5% 39.3%
2004 Democratic Party Barack Obama 70.0% Republican Party Alan Keyes 27.0% 43.0%
2002 Democratic Party Dick Durbin 60.3% Republican Party Jim Durkin 38.0% 22.3%

Gubernatorial elections, 2000-2016

This chart shows the results of the four gubernatorial elections held between 2000 and 2016. Gubernatorial elections are held every four years in Illinois.

Election results (Governor), Illinois 2000-2016
Year First-place candidate First-place candidate votes (%) Second-place candidate Second-place candidate votes (%) Margin of victory (%)
2014 Republican Party Bruce Rauner 50.3% Democratic Party Pat Quinn 46.3% 4.0%
2010 Democratic Party Pat Quinn 46.8% Republican Party Bill Brady 45.9% 0.9%
2006 Democratic Party Rod Blagojevich 49.8% Republican Party Judy Baar Topinka 39.3% 10.5%
2002 Democratic Party Rod Blagojevich 52.2% Republican Party Jim Ryan 45.1% 7.1%

Congressional delegation, 2000-2016

This chart shows the number of Democrats and Republicans who were elected to represent Illinois in the U.S. House from 2000 to 2016. Elections for U.S. House seats are held every two years.

Congressional delegation, Illinois 2000-2016
Year Republicans Republicans (%) Democrats Democrats (%) Balance of power
2016 Republican Party 7 38.9% Democratic Party 11 61.1% D+4
2014 Republican Party 8 44.4% Democratic Party 10 55.6% D+2
2012 Republican Party 6 33.3% Democratic Party 12 66.7% D+6
2010 Republican Party 11 57.9% Democratic Party 8 42.1% R+3
2008 Republican Party 7 36.8% Democratic Party 12 63.2% D+5
2006 Republican Party 9 47.4% Democratic Party 10 52.6% D+1
2004 Republican Party 9 47.4% Democratic Party 10 52.6% D+1
2002 Republican Party 10 52.6% Democratic Party 9 47.4% R+1
2000 Republican Party 10 50.0% Democratic Party 10 50.0% Even

Trifectas, 1992-2017

A state government trifecta occurs when one party controls both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office.

Illinois Party Control: 1992-2025
Nineteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  Two years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Governor R R R R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R D D D D D D D
Senate D R R R R R R R R R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
House D D D R R D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D


See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ The New York Times, "Illinois Primary Election Results: 6th House District," accessed March 21, 2018
  2. ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Election Results, General Primary - 3/20/2018," accessed May 24, 2018
  3. ↑ The Chicago Tribune, "Two Democrats in primary to take on Roskam stand out in cash race, thanks to their own checkbooks," February 1, 2018
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Politico, "The top 10 House races to watch in 2018," December 25, 2017
  5. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections live digest: 3/12," March 12, 2018
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Daily Herald, "Endorsement: Cheney for Democrats in Congress, District 6," February 22, 2018
  7. ↑ YouTube, "Friend," February 16, 2018
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 The Chicago Tribune, "Endorsements for the U.S. House, round 1," February 16, 2018
  9. ↑ Politico, "House Q4 FEC Reports," accessed February 14, 2018
  10. ↑ YouTube, "We Can't Rewind Trump's Presidency," January 30, 2018
  11. ↑ Amanda Howland for Congress, "Northside Democracy For America endorses Amanda Howland for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District," accessed January 10, 2018
  12. ↑ LinkedIn, "Sean Casten," accessed January 23, 2018
  13. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Downers Grove scientist is ninth Democrat to announce run for Roskam's seat," September 7, 2017
  14. ↑ Casten for Congress, "Home," accessed January 23, 2018
  15. ↑ Casten for Congress, "Issues," accessed January 23, 2018
  16. ↑ Carole for Congress, "Meet Carole," accessed January 23, 2018
  17. ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "2012 General Primary Results," accessed January 23, 2018
  18. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Former Foster aide announces run for Roskam's U.S. House seat," July 12, 2017
  19. ↑ Carole for Congress, "Why I'm Running," accessed January 23, 2018
  20. ↑ Carole for Congress, "Issues," accessed January 23, 2018
  21. ↑ Kelly Mazeski for Congress, "About Kelly," accessed January 23, 2018
  22. ↑ NBC Chicago, "Roskam's Health Care Vote Has Democrats Lining Up To Oppose Him," May 4, 2017
  23. ↑ Mazeski for Congress, "Issues," accessed January 23, 2018
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  25. ↑ Sean Casten for Congress, "Issues," accessed February 14, 2018
  26. ↑ Carole Cheney for Congress, "Issues," accessed February 14, 2018
  27. ↑ Kelly Mazeski for Congress, "Issues," accessed February 14, 2018
  28. ↑ Daily Herald, "Gun control gains strong support from 6th District Democratic candidates," March 5, 2018
  29. ↑ Daily Herald, "Seven Democrats want shot at unseating Roskam," December 15, 2017
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Facebook, "Kelly Mazeski for Congress," December 22, 2017
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Twitter, "Daily Kos Elections," November 17, 2017
  32. ↑ Carole for Congress, "Cheney Scores Second Congressional Endorsement From Rep. Robin Kelly; Momentum At Cheney’s back for 2018 Primary," September 19, 2017
  33. ↑ Carole for Congress, "Carole Cheney Announces Congressman Bill Foster Endorsement," July 24, 2017
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Casten for Congress, "Four more prominent national environmental leaders endorse Sean Casten for Congress," November 28, 2017
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 Casten for Congress, "39 Environmental Leaders Endorse Sean Casten," November 8, 2017
  36. ↑ Facebook, "Sean Casten for Congress," September 28, 2017
  37. ↑ Amanda Howland for Congress, "Progressive Stalwart State Representative Will Guzzardi Endorses Amanda Howland for Congress," November 14, 2017
  38. ↑ Casten for Congress, "Jack Franks Endorses Sean Casten," October 30, 2017
  39. ↑ Amanda Howland for Congress, "Northside Democracy For America endorses Amanda Howland for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District," January 10, 2018
  40. ↑ Greg Laden, "An endorsement for Sean Casten in Illinois’ red-to-blue 6th Congressional district," December 13, 2017
  41. ↑ Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association, "Democratic County Chairs' Association Endorses Mazeski for Congress," December 13, 2017
  42. ↑ Emily's List, "EMILY’S LIST ENDORSES KELLY MAZESKI FOR CONGRESS IN ILLINOIS’ 6TH DISTRICT," November 21, 2017
  43. ↑ This figure includes Pennsylvania districts that were redrawn by the state Supreme Court in early 2018 and districts that flipped in special elections.
  44. ↑ The new 1st district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 8th District held by Fitzpatrick. Click here to read more.
  45. ↑ The new 5th district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 7th District held by Meehan. Click here to read more.
  46. ↑ The new 6th district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 6th District held by Costello. Click here to read more.
  47. ↑ The new 7th district was created in early 2018 due to court-ordered redistricting and most closely resembles the old 15th District held by Dent. Click here to read more.
  48. ↑ Illinois State Board of Elections, "Candidate List," accessed November 30, 2015
  49. ↑ The New York Times, "Illinois Primary Results," March 15, 2016
  50. ↑ Illinois Election Division, "Michael Mason," accessed December 2, 2013
  51. ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Illinois"
  52. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
  53. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
  54. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
  55. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
  56. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
  57. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
  58. ↑ Cook Political Report, "Introducing the 2017 Cook Political Report Partisan Voter Index," April 7, 2017
  59. ↑ FiveThirtyEight, "Election Update: The Most (And Least) Elastic States And Districts," September 6, 2018
  60. ↑ Illinois Demographics, "Illinois Cities by Population," accessed December 11, 2017
  61. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "Quickfacts Illinois," accessed December 11, 2017


Illinois' current delegation to the United States Congress
Senators
Tammy Duckworth (D)
Dick Durbin (D)
Representatives
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
Mike Bost (R)
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
Democratic Party (16)
Republican Party (3)


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