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Bloomington-Normal Teacher Withdraws From Congressional Race

Charlie Schlenker
/
WGLT
Ben Webb announced in June he was running for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 13th District.

A Bloomington-Normal teacher announced Tuesday he’s pulling out of the Democratic race for the 13th Congressional District.

In a statement, Benjamin Webb thanked his supporters for inspiring and motivating him.

“It is with a humble and hopeful heart that I am withdrawing my candidacy from the 13th Congressional District and suspending our campaign,” said Webb, who teaches English and drama at University High School in Normal. “I have learned a great deal since beginning this process and look with earnest as to the future of this midterm election. (The 13th District) holds such potential and we look forward to the progress we can make in our communities.”

Webb’s departure leaves four Democrats in the race. They’ll square off in the March primary for a chance to take on incumbent U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville.

The Democrats still in the race are:

  • Jonathan Ebel, a religion professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • David Gill, a doctor from Bloomington-Normal who's run unsuccessfully for Congress previously
  • Erik Jones, a former Illinois assistant attorney general from Edwardsville
  • Betsy Dirksen Londrigan of Springfield, a former fundraiser for Senator Dick Durbin

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Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.