U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos has been reelected to a fifth term over Republican challenger Esther Joy King in the 17th Congressional District of Illinois.
Bustos is chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She faced a spirited challenge from King, an Army Reserve captain and lawyer. Bustos had vastly outraised King, bringing in nearly $4 million to King’s nearly $1.7 million. In previous years Bustos had easily won reelection in the historically Democratic territory, even in 2016 when the district voted for Donald Trump.
More than 24 hours after voting closed, the Associated Press called Cheri Bustos the winner. With 100% percent of precincts reporting, Bustos got 52% while King was at 48%, the difference of about 11,000 votes.
Bustos has held the position since 2013.
The following statement is from Eric Anderson with the King campaign:
"We want to ensure that every voice in the district is heard and that every vote is counted and is counted correctly and accurately. So we’re here just collecting as much data as we possibly can to ensure that all the steps are followed appropriately and to again ensure that everybody in district is able to be heard and express their beliefs in this election."
The following statement is from Denise Mousouris with the Bustos campaign:
"From day one, Congresswoman Bustos has fought for our community, our state and our nation, and is humbled to have won the support of the voters. She considers it the honor of her life to serve the 711,000 residents of this Congressional District, whether they cast their vote for her or did not; whether they are Democrats or Republicans or anywhere in between, and she looks forward to doing all she can to help this region of the state of Illinois and the people who live here.
"In politics, one candidate wins; another loses. It's unfortunate, but not a surprise that Congresswoman Bustos' opponent is attempting to sow misinformation and doubt in the democratic process, just as we are seeing in toxic, partisan rhetoric around the nation. But this is a time for our nation to unite, and the people have spoken. Congresswoman Bustos is honored to have received their support for re-election."
The Associated Press contributed to this report