Congressional Candidates File to Represent New Lenox

After a GOP lawsuit was dismissed in December over the newly drawn Illinois congressional maps, candidates filed their petitions last week to run in the March primary election.

New Lenox will be divided between two districts because of the new maps, losing current Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Manteno), who is now running in the 16th district.

One of the biggest controversies and complaints Republicans had with the new maps is the expansion of Chicago-based districts south to the suburbs, including New Lenox. Longtime Democratic incumbent Bobby Rush, of Chicago, will seek re-election in the 1st District, which extends from Chicago's south side through New Lenox and down to Elwood.

But he has challengers, including four Democrats from Chicago and one from Evergreen Park. On the other side of the ballot, three Republicans will face off in the March primary election, including president and Blue Island Mayor Donald Peloquin.

The northwest end of New Lenox will remain in the 11th District, where the redrawn maps have pushed Kinzinger out. Incumbent Judy Biggert (R-Hinsdale) is seeking re-election, but her new district includes some more traditionally Democratic voters, including Joliet. She will face two other Republicans in the March primary, and three Democrats are running for that seat.

Which District Are You In?

The state committee that drew the new maps provides resources on its website to find which district you're a part of, and the Will County Clerk also has a precinct search to which you can enter your address. You can also view this Google Map or view the PDFs attached to this article.

The 1st District essentially includes all of New Lenox that's south and east of the Metra SouthWest Service line. However, some areas west of that railroad line are also in the first district, with dividing lines near Cedar Road and Illinois Highway, as well as Spencer and Nelson roads.

Grandview Drive, off Nelson, is in the 11th District, but Shagbark to the south is in the 1st. The 11th District covers the rest of New Lenox, primarily northwest of the Metra line.

Who Filed for Election?

1st Congressional District

Democrat

• Bobby L. Rush, Chicago
• Clifford M. Russell Jr., Chicago
• Jordan Sims, Chicago
• Fred Smith, Evergreen Park
• Raymond M. Lodato, Chicago
• Harold L. Bailey, Chicago

Republican

• Frederick Collins, Chicago
• Donald Peloquin, Blue Island
• Jimmy Lee Tillman II, Chicago

11th Congressional District

Democrat

• Bill Foster, Naperville
• Jim Hickey, Orland Park
• Juan Thomas, Aurora

Republican

• Judy Biggert, Hinsdale
• John A. “Jack” Cunningham, Aurora
• Diane M. Harris, Joliet

So New Lenox will get two new congressional representatives following the 2012 elections. We'll also see a host of new state and county officials. Earlier in December, candidates filed for those offices. You can get more information about those races here:

Make sure to keep reading Patch for more election coverage leading up to and following the March 20 primary election.