MOLINE, Ill. — Illinois District 18 Congressman Darin LaHood (R) and Elizabeth Haderlein (D) will face off for Illinois' newly drawn 16th district U.S. congressional seat on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
From 2013 to 2023, the district has featured much of rural northern and central Illinois. Beginning in 2023, the new district boundaries will encompass more of northwest and western Illinois.
Incumbent 16th District Congressman Adam Kinzinger announced last year that he wouldn't seek re-election.
LaHood, a Peoria-native has been serving as a U.S. congressman from the 18th district since 2015.
Haderlein is currently serving as an Alderwoman for the city of Harvard in McHenry County.
Let's take a look at each candidate's most pressing issues, starting with Haderlein, because her name comes first alphabetically.
Haderlein
Elizabeth Haderlein, who goes by Lisa, serves as an alderwoman in the city of Harvard. She also is a member of the City Library Board.
Prior to serving as alderwoman, she served on the City's Zoning Board of Appeals and was a member of the land use planning committee. Haderlein has also served as President of the Prairie State Conservation Coalition
According to Haderlein's official campaign website, she supports women's reproductive rights, and the choice of women to decide whether or not they have kids.
Haderlein supports protecting the environment. She supports protections for clean air, clean water, endangered species and national parks.
Haderlein supports government-backed healthcare, in particular, Haderlein supports the Affordable Care Act.
Implementing greater gun safety measures is one of Haderlein's core campaign issues.
Giving Americans greater access and convenience to voting through mail-in voting, convenient early voting locations and automatic voter registration services is also one of her core platforms.
LaHood
LaHood has held elected office since being elected to the Illinois Senate in 2011.
LaHood is a fiscal conservative who intends to focus on cutting government spending.
Agriculture is one of LaHood's core campaign issues, saying that he will fight for policies that keep our farmers globally competitive and expand trade opportunities for our residents.
LaHood is 100% pro-life, and says that he will combat abortion advocates and providers like Planned Parenthood.
Creating jobs, eliminating government regulation and simplifying the tax code in order to support small businesses highlight LaHood's economic goals.
Protecting the second amendment for law abiding gun owners is a key issue of LaHood's campaign.
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