1st Congressional District: Bobby Rush Faces Philanise White

FRANKFORT, IL — In March, incumbent U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush defeated three challengers to once again earn the Democratic nomination to seek another term and will now face Republican Philanise White, who ran unopposed in her party's primary.

Rush, who has served as representative for the First Congressional District since 1993, was the highest vote-getter by a large margin back in March.

The First Congressional District includes parts of both Cook and Will counties, including the towns and cities of Alsip, Blue Island, Calumet Park, Chicago, Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Worth, Tinley Park, Dixmoor, Elwood, Evergreen Park, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Harvey, Manhattan, Markham, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Mokena, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Posen, Riverdale and Robbins.

Read the Frankfort Voter Guide 2020 and return to Patch for results as they come in. Subscribe to free News Alerts for election results.

Who are the candidates?

Bobby Rush

Rush has been in office since 1993 and is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army and an ordained minister with a master's degree in theology, according to his campaign website. He also serves as pastor of the Beloved Community Christian Church of God in Christ in Chicago.

"Rush fights every day for his constituents; to improve their lives, grow the economy, bring jobs to the district, and build a stronger middle class," his campaign site said.

According to his campaign site, Rush has focused on providing a public policy approach to creating jobs, tackling gun violence and making communities safer.

Rush has also stated his support for the controversial NorthPoint project in Joliet. Many area residents are opposed to the project, which Rush has said will generate tax revenue and jobs.

A new civil lawsuit was recently filed against the project on behalf of the grassroots Stop NorthPoint coalition.

Rush has been endorsed by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Philanise White

White most recently served as committeewoman for Chicago's 7th Ward, according to her campaign website. She has previously worked as the Illinois Co-Director of Black American Engagement and Outreach for the Trump campaign.

White lists several priorities, including supporting Second Amendment rights, securing borders and supporting law enforcement, common sense immigration laws and affordable private health options for individuals and families.

Some other specific policies that White supports include: "common sense immigration laws and ending the influx of illegal immigrants," "Second Amendment rights," "more funding for mental health awareness and facilities," "workforce development programs for at-risk individuals," "ending human trafficking and child exploitation," and "putting Americans to work ahead of non-US citizens."

NBC reported that White has promoted QAnon, a conspiracy theory which alleges Satan-worshipping pedophiles are plotting against President Donald Trump. In 2019, White tweeted the hashtag #WWG1WGA, which is a QAnon motto.

White has been endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police.

Election Day is Tuesday. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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