Esther Joy King | Facebook / Esther Joy King
Esther Joy King | Facebook / Esther Joy King
The Rock Island GOP is giving a boost to Esther Joy King’s campaign for Illinois’ 17th Congressional District.
“SUPER SATURDAY RSVP! Please join Esther for Congress for the FIRST Super Saturday of 2022 on April 23rd!” an email from the Rock Island GOP reads. “East Moline Location: Esther for Congress office, 1033 7th St, East Moline, IL 61244. Galesburg Location: Envision Insurance, 456 E Main St, Galesburg, IL 61402.” “Schedule: 8:30 AM: Volunteer Training (Training will also be available all day for those who cannot arrive by 8:30!)”
King is leading fundraising over her opponents for the seat. She is vying to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D) who is not seeking re-election after six terms in office. Based on Federal Election Commission's first-quarter campaign finance reports, according to Quad-City Times, King has raised approximately $2.2 million, outperforming the leading Democratic candidate, former WQAD meteorologist Eric Sorensen. According to the reports, Sorensen has brought in $312,500.
"Since Day One, my campaign has been about fighting for the people of Northern, Central, and Western Illinois and protecting our communities from the radical Left-wing agenda," King posted on Facebook. "As a battle-ready leader, I am ready to double down for our generation's fight against socialism and keep America strong and free."
King is an East Moline-based attorney who spent time working for an education non-profit in Kabul, Afghanistan. She serves in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps and was recently promoted to captain and assigned to the Rock Island Arsenal, according to her campaign website.
The 17th District was once known as the “rabbit on the skateboard” district due to its odd shape, given the extreme gerrymandering that Democrats undertook to maintain the seat. In the latest remap it seems that edge has been diminished.
The 17th District includes Rockford, Bloomington, Galesburg and Macomb
The race is “highly competitive” according to FiveThirtyEight. King will face off against East Moline insurance broker Charlie Helmick in the Republican primary
A group of seven Democrats is competing to replace Bustos as well.
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