Several House Democrats in Illinois' congressional delegation will easily beat back primary challengers Tuesday, CNN projects. These lawmakers represent safely blue seats in the Chicago area and will be heavily favored for reelection in November.
Illinois' 4th District: Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García will win the Democratic primary, CNN projects, overcoming a challenge from Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez. A longtime fixture in Illinois politics, García is seeking a fourth term in this Hispanic-majority seat. Lopez, who is Mexican American like the incumbent, struck a more centrist tone on the campaign trail and had the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune editorial board.
Illinois' 6th District: Rep. Sean Casten will win the Democratic nomination for a fourth term, CNN projects. Two years ago, Casten defeated progressive Rep. Marie Newman in the primary after the two were drawn into the same suburban seat following redistricting. Newman backed progressive candidate Mahnoor Ahmad in her challenge to Casten this year.
Illinois' 7th District: Longtime Democratic Rep. Danny Davis will win his primary, CNN projects, fending off four challengers in his bid for a 15th term in this deep-blue Chicago seat. For the third straight election, Davis, 82, was challenged by progressive activist Kina Collins. Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin also launched a bid for the seat. Davis was first elected to the US House in 1996. He previously served on the Chicago City Council and the Cook County Commission.
Illinois' 11th District: Democratic Rep. Bill Foster will win his primary, CNN projects, fending off a challenge from his left. Foster faced lawyer Qasim Rashid, a progressive who made the war in Gaza a key campaign platform. Since Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel, Democrats have grappled with criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of the conflict and the impact it could have on the November election. Foster, who was first elected to Congress in 2008, is seeking a ninth full term in November.