Judge Joe McGraw and his wife, Gail. | judgejoeforcongress.com
Judge Joe McGraw and his wife, Gail. | judgejoeforcongress.com
Judge Joe McGraw, vying for the 17th Congressional District seat, is steadily gaining traction in his campaign. He recently engaged with a group of enthusiastic voters in Bloomington, an event marked by optimism and a mutual commitment to community restoration.
“Gail and I had a wonderful time last evening in Bloomington meeting with an engaged and enthusiastic group of #IL17 voters,” McGraw said on Facebook.
“Our campaign is growing everyday as we travel the district and we would be honored to have you join us in the fight to restore our home. You can sign up to get involved or learn more at judgejoeforcongress.com.”
The gathering was hosted by former McLean County GOP Chair Connie Beard and her husband David. It highlighted McGraw's candidacy as a strong alternative to the current officeholder, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorenson (D-Ill.). Beard described Sorenson as an "ultra-liberal weatherman" while praising McGraw as a "good man with a clear mission to stop the insanity that’s happening in Washington." She underscored his two decades of experience on the bench as an invaluable asset for representing the 17th Congressional District.
“Please if you live in the 17th and want good strong voice in Washington consider him. His website is Judgejoeforcongress,” Beard encouraged constituents on Facebook.
In mid-October, McGraw announced his bid for the 17th Congressional District. As a former prosecutor, private attorney, and retired Circuit Court judge, he has a strong chance of unseating incumbent Sorensen who narrowly won in 2022. According to Pantagraph, McGraw's campaign hinges on law-and-order principles. He uses his judicial background to address urban crime and immigration issues while advocating for a border wall, supporting comprehensive immigration reform, and championing state regulation over federal involvement in abortion issues.
The Census Bureau's map indicates that the 17th Congressional District encompasses Carroll, Fulton, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Stephenson, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside and Winnebago counties.
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