EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Legal Newsline) - The primary race for Illinois' 13th Congressional District ended with Ann Callis crushing her Democratic rivals, despite some groups thinking her connections to top lawmakers might hurt her chances.
A traditionally Republican territory, District 13, which is composed of numerous counties including parts of Madison and Champaign, was part of the 2011 redistricting - a move that some argue gave Democrats a fighting chance to take the Congressional seat.
In May, Callis, the former chief judge of the Third Circuit Court, announced her resignation from the court to pursue her aspirations of becoming an Illinois congresswoman. The Third Circuit covers Madison and Bond counties.
On Tuesday, Callis received 17,279 votes for 54.6 percent of the total vote.
Her closest competitor, George Gollin, captured 31.3 percent while David Green trailed with 14 percent of the total vote.
Callis, who is backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, received accolades from the organization following her primary win.
"Democrats across Illinois are strongly positioned to succeed in November because they are on the side of middle class families while their Republican opponents are stacking the deck for special interests," DCCC Chairman Steve Israel stated in a press release.
"I especially congratulate Judge Ann Callis on her convincing primary win because she demonstrated her commonsense appeal and record of accomplishments like standing up for our veterans and families facing foreclosure."
In November, Callis will square off against incumbent U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis.
From Legal Newsline: Reach David Yates at elections@legalnewsline.com.
Former Madison County judge crushes Democratic rivals in race for IL-13
