Rock Island Today

Judge Joe McGraw, a candidate for the 17th Congressional District, has underscored the financial challenges that Illinois residents are grappling with and emphasized the need for a shift in leadership. McGraw voiced his concern over the economic hardships endured by citizens and criticized career politicians for their inability to address these issues.

“Illinoisans need $11.6k MORE just to live the exact same way they did in 2021,” McGraw said on Facebook. “Career politicians won’t solve this.”

“I will. I’m ready to fight for everyday families because I know what it’s like to sweat for a paycheck & get calluses on my hands.”

In a recent conversation on WMOI radio station, McGraw discussed his candidacy and expressed his intent to bring the values of the 17th Congressional District to Washington rather than vice versa. He identified economy as one of his primary concerns.

"People have the right to be secure, and they also have the right to pursue the American dream," McGraw said during his interview on WMOI.

McGraw was critical of President Joe Biden's economic policies, stating that they have adversely affected every family and community within his district. He highlighted the significant increase in prices at grocery stores and gas stations, emphasizing that the cost of living for a family of four has risen by $11,000 in just one year.

The candidate also underscored the necessity for energy independence, manufacturing reshoring, and regaining America's strategic advantage over China. He accused China of stealing American technology and industrial assets.

"We have to be a net exporter of energy, as we were under the previous administration, where we’re bringing good, well-paying jobs home to America," he stated.

Furthermore, McGraw highlighted lessons learned from dealing with COVID-19, particularly America's heavy reliance on China for pharmaceuticals and microchips.

According to his campaign website, McGraw intends to "crack down on China when they cheat economically." A former prosecutor, private attorney, and retired Circuit Court judge, McGraw announced his candidacy for the 17th Congressional District in mid-October. He aims to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), who narrowly won the 17th District in 2022. His campaign also prioritizes law-and-order principles, leveraging his judicial background to address urban crime and immigration issues, and ending corruption.

McGraw, who retired in July according to a news release, is running to represent Illinois 17th Congressional District which includes Carroll, Fulton, Henry, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Stephenson, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside and Winnebago counties. The district is currently represented by Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.) who took office last year and is seeking re-election to the U.S. House.