U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis has been added to a Republican incumbent-protection program—another sign of the national stakes in Illinois’ competitive 13th Congressional District.
Davis, a Republican from Taylorville, was added Wednesday to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Patriot Program for incumbents facing tough re-election fights. The NRCC says the program helps “incumbent members to build strong and winning campaigns through goals, benchmarks, and accountability.”
Davis will face Democratic challenger Betsy Dirksen Londrigan of Springfield on Nov. 6.
“House Republicans have worked tirelessly to make life better for the American people—by protecting our communities and easing the financial strain on the middle class," NRCC Chairman Steve Stivers said in a statement. “Each of our Patriots is instrumental in building on these efforts; and each Patriot is vital to the NRCC's mission of defending and expanding our Republican majority. I'm proud to welcome them to our cause.”
The gerrymandered 13th District includes parts or all of 14 counties and several college towns, stretching from the western half of Bloomington-Normal all the way south to Edwardsville.
Davis has held the seat since 2013. He’s seen as potentially vulnerable in a 13th District drawn by Democrats specifically to give Democrats a shot.
Democrats need to win a net of 23 seats nationally to flip control of the House, and the 13th District is one they're targeting. Londrigan was added in March to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program for top-tier candidates in competitive races.
Political analysts consider the race competitive. The Cook Political Report says it Leans Republican. FiveThirtyEight says Davis has a 5 in 7 chance of winning, but that Democrats have a 5 in 7 chance of retaking the House.
Davis and five other House Republicans are the fourth round of lawmakers added to the Patriot Program. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, who also represents Bloomington-Normal, is program chairman.
People like you value experienced, knowledgeable and award-winning journalism that covers meaningful stories in Bloomington-Normal. To support more stories and interviews like this one, please consider making a contribution.
