MOLINE, Ill. — Republican nominee for Illinois' 17th Congressional District Esther Joy King has called Democrat Eric Sorenson to concede the election, according to a news release from Sorenson.
As of Wednesday evening, only 97% of the votes have been counted and the race remains uncalled. Sorenson currently holds 52% of the vote, while Joy King possesses 48%. Sorenson leads by about 8,000 votes.
Sorenson released the following statement on Wednesday morning:
"This morning, my opponent Esther Joy King called to concede. I thank her for running, and while we disagreed on the issues, we both have a passion for service.
"I am honored to have been elected to serve as the next Congressman for Illinois' 17th Congressional District. I've worked to serve the people of Central & NW Illinois for 22 years, earning their trust by telling them the truth and helping them make the right decisions for their lives. In Congress, I will bring that same honesty to representing them and commitment to fighting for lower costs, reproductive rights, and good-paying, sustainable jobs right here at home.
"Our communities are stronger when we work together, neighbor by neighbor - I look forward to advocating on behalf of the people of Central & NW Illinois in Congress and making sure that they have a seat at the table. And I look forward to continuing to be a good neighbor."
King's communications director Ashley Phelps confirmed with News 8 via email that King called Sorensen's campaign Wednesday morning to concede, saying, "Eric was not made available to talk."
News 8 spoke with Sorensen on Wednesday afternoon, where he said he was ready to be the next congressman from the 17th District.
"The office is in Washington D.C., but I'm working here at home. And I've made that promise throughout the entire campaign. For people in Galesburg or Sterling, my promise is that I will be here for you. I will be on the ground in each one of our communities as much as humanly possible," Sorensen said.
He said despite an intense race, which saw millions of dollars spent on both sides, he's now focused on pivoting from a campaign to congressional duties.
"What we need to do today is set our sights on what's ahead of us not what's behind us to be able to say that we need to bring neighbors back together, we need to solve our problems together, instead of allowing politics to just lob blame on one side or the other," Sorensen said.
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