(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Southern Illinois Congressman Mike Bost withstood a primary challenge from the 2022 gubernatorial runner-up, Clay County farmer and former state lawmaker Darren Bailey.
Bost’s primary win Tuesday, 51.4 % to 48.6 %, would - barring a big upset in November - send Bost back to Washington for a sixth term.
Bost told supporters in Murphysboro Tuesday night that he ran against an opponent who had run for governor.
“He had very strong name recognition. I supported him for governor, but he chose to run against a conservative, and every time that he tried to attack us on an issue, I was endorsed by the people he said I didn't support, whether it was pro-life or Second Amendment, the list went on and on," he said.
"But, that being said, his name recognition was strong. I don't know that his message was strong.”
Bailey tried to run to Bost’s right, painting him as part of the "swamp" who no longer reflected the values of his district, which is a large chunk of southern Illinois.
Illinois’ 12th Congressional District, redrawn after the 2020 Census, now includes a large chunk of southeastern Illinois that gave Donald Trump more than 70% of the vote in both 2016 and 2020.
Bost had a bigger campaign warchest and the endorsement of Trump.
He said he hopes to work with his colleagues to "secure the border, to make sure that we send a clear message to those who are fighting around this world that we have a strong leader back in power."
Bailey gave a brief concession speech, saying his supporters needed to keep holding elected officials accountable.
“I think we made a statement,” he said. “Hopefully the party will take notice that we're not going to take this nonsense anymore, this sellout attitude.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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