17th Congressional District stays in Democratic hands as Sorensen defeats McGraw [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) – In a race that was watched closely by national leaders of both parties, incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Moline) defeated Republican challenger Joe McGraw in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District.

Sorensen, a former TV meteorologist, is a freshman lawmaker elected to a first term in 2022. McGraw is a retired judge from Rockford, who said his ability to hear both sides of an argument can help him make key decisions.

Stopping fentanyl at the border was one of McGraw’s central themes, along with his pledge to work on lowering inflation to make homes more affordable.

Sorensen versus McGraw was considered one of the key races to decide whether Republicans can keep control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

On Oct. 20, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) and prominent Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) traveled to Peoria for a McGraw fundraiser.

The 17th Congressional District includes all or parts of Peoria, McLean, …