Walsh Changes Mind, Will Run in 8th Congressional District

Republican Congressman Joe Walsh announced Thursday he will seek re-election in the 8th Congressional District.

Walsh was left in limbo by Illinois Democrats controlled congressional redistricting. Walsh's current 8th District, which includes most of Palatine, was carved up into four different districts. Walsh said in September and face fellow freshman incumbent Republican Randy Hultgren in a primary.

Walsh changed his mind and announced Thursday he would run in the new 8th, a district he has openly said was drawn to give Democrats an advantage.

"While the Democrats in Springfield who have bankrupted our state did everything in their power to redraw the 8th district to overturn the will of the people, I think they underestimated the frustration of voters who don't want to see the failed policies of Springfield duplicated in Washington," Walsh said.

The new 8th includes a portion of Palatine along Route 53. It also includes part the Rand Road corridor, east of Capri Drive and sections of Palatine east of Rohlwing Road. It also includes a portion of Buffalo Grove, which is not part of the existing 8th.

A press release from Walsh states that he is confident a court challenge to the newly-drawn districts will succeed.

"While I was encouraged by the enthusiasm I received from folks all across the 14th district, I felt at this time, with this unjust map, I had to stand up and fight," Walsh stated. "The idea of ceding this seat to the Democrats just felt wrong and someone needed to step up to the challenge."

One of the bigger changes in the map is that the new 8th does not include any part of conservative McHenry County.

Most of the rest of the new 8th District includes Schaumburg, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Elgin and Elk Grove Village. The district stretches as far south as Lombard.

Tammy Duckworth, one of the candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the 8th District, issued a statement regarding Walsh's decision.

"Congressman Walsh should know that I've never backed down from a fight in my life," Duckworth stated. "And I am fighting for the residents of the 8th Congressional District.  I want to get to the halls of Congress where I will continue that fight to strengthen our economy and support our families by creating jobs, providing access to health care and making sure children receive the best education possible."