Rockford Sun

Esther Joy King defeated Republican primary opponent Charlie Helmick in the race for the 17th Congressional District seat.

King released a video thanking her supporters and the district.

"I’m so humbled to be the Republican nominee for the 17th Congressional District! Thank you again to all of our supporters," she said on a Facebook video. "I truly couldn’t do this without you."

King had 30,000 votes compared to opponent Hemlick’s 14,000 votes, according to WIFR. 

She will face Democrat Eric Sorensen in November's General Election. The winner will succeed outgoing Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Rockford).

During her campaign King has stressed energy independence, stopping inflation, and fixing the economy.

King believes Congress is divided because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) has allowed members to vote absentee through proxy voting. She said by showing up, she can foster relationships with lawmakers to find common ground on issues facing the district and the country. 

King also agrees with fully funding and supporting law enforcement and the judicial system to keep criminals off the streets, according to Rockford Register Star. As an Army reservist, she said a secure border is important. On the economic front, King opposes wasteful spending and the “Build Back Better” bill.

According to federal election records, King has a head start over her opponent, having already raised $1.6 million this cycle. 

The five Democrats who ran in the primary, Jonathan Logemann, Eric Sorensen, Angela Normoyle, Litesa Wallace, and Marsha Williams, had raised a combined $416,011. 

State Rep. and central committeeman Maurice West (D-Rockford) said he is still trying to figure out why Democratic donors aren't enthusiastic about this race, MyStateline.com reported.