Galesburg Reporter

Illinois 17th Congressional District candidate Judge Joe McGraw acknowledged the election results in a November 6 Facebook post, stating, "Our campaign gave voice to tens of thousands of Illinoisans who are sick of watching politicians stack the deck against working families."

"I want to thank the people of IL-17 for voting yesterday," said Judge Joe Mcgraw, according to Facebook. "Unfortunately, last night, we did not get the result we were hoping for. Although our campaign was not victorious, I know that I, and everyone on our team, will hold our heads high knowing that we fought hard for our shared values and principles. Our campaign gave voice to tens of thousands of Illinoisans who are sick of watching politicians stack the deck against working families, leaving our communities behind."

Official election results have not yet been released by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. However, Ballotpedia reports that Judge Joe McGraw received 134,003 votes or 46.2%, while incumbent Democrat Eric Sorenson garnered 155,811 votes, or 53.8% of the total 289,814 votes cast in the race for the 17th Congressional District.

Screenshot of Judge Joe McGraw's Nov. 6 Facebook post | Judge Joe McGraw's Facebook page

In March's Republican primary contest, McGraw defeated challenger Scott Crowl. According to Ballotpedia, McGraw received 20,223 votes compared to Crowl's 9,696.

McGraw’s platform emphasized restoring law and order in neighborhoods and at the border. He vowed to stop excessive spending and cut taxes on American factories, defend family farmers, and eliminate the death tax. His platform also included cleaning up Washington by banning politicians from becoming lobbyists. McGraw said he would take on China and advocate for working men and women in the district by supporting local apprenticeship programs and unions.

The 17th Congressional District encompasses Carroll, Fulton, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Stephenson, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside and Winnebago counties. It is currently represented by Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.). Sorensen assumed office last year and is seeking re-election to the U.S. House as the only Democratic candidate for the district so far.

Former prosecutor and retired Circuit Court judge McGraw declared his candidacy for the district in mid-October with aims to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), who narrowly won in 2022. According to Pantagraph, McGraw’s campaign prioritizes law-and-order principles by leveraging his judicial background to address urban crime and immigration issues. His policy positions include supporting a border wall and endorsing comprehensive immigration reform while advocating for state regulation over federal involvement in abortion issues.