Mary Miller won Illinois’ 15th Congressional District Republican primary Tuesday night. With 95% of precincts reporting, Miller received 57.6% of the vote. Darren Duncan was second with 21.6%. Four candidates ran.
Incumbent John Shimkus (R) is not running for re-election in 2020, leaving the seat open.
Both Miller and Duncan highlighted their support for President Donald Trump’s agenda. Miller highlighted the endorsements she received from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), and the House Freedom Fund. The House Freedom Fund and its affiliated super PAC, House Freedom Action, spent $489,000 to support Miller. In response to the satellite spending, Duncan said, “Mary Miller has sold out central and southern Illinois for hundreds of thousands of dollars from D.C. special interests.” U.S. Reps. Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) endorsed Duncan.
Three major race rating outlets view the 2020 general election as Safe/Solid Republican. All 435 House seats are up for election in November. Democrats currently hold a majority in the chamber with 232 seats to Republicans’ 197.