Underwood Projected To Win Reelection

ILLINOIS — Rep. Lauren Underwood (D, IL-14) is projected to win reelection against state senator and entrepreneur Jim Oberweis in the race for Illinois's 14th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press. The Associated Press called the race, which had been neck and neck since Election Night, Thursday afternoon.

The news comes after Underwood widened her lead against Oberweis by more than 4,000 votes, according to ABC 7. Underwood currently has 200,037 votes, while Oberweis has 195,749 votes.

Oberweis declared victory on Nov. 4, saying, "Today, after contacting every County Clerk across the 14th District, I am pleased to say that, with only a handful of outstanding ballots, it appears that I have won a tough-fought campaign against Lauren Underwood."

Underwood defeated Rep. Randy Hultgren in 2018 to become the youngest Black woman elected to serve in Congress.

Oberweis has reportedly said he plans to request a recount.

The Oberweis campaign shared the following statement Thursday, "The Associated Press calling the race in the 14th Congressional District for Lauren Underwood does not change anything in this race from a legal standpoint. Illinois election law has provisions to allow parties in a closely contested race to seek a recount to ensure that all legal votes are counted and to ensure that the final outcome is the right outcome. There are still votes that have yet to be counted. The totals at this point are unofficial totals as the race has yet to be certified. We are committed to exploring all of the legal options at our disposal and will pursue these options that are afforded our campaign under law."

Underwood released the following statement, "I am honored to be reelected to represent Illinois' beautiful 14th District in Congress. This was a tough race under some very difficult circumstances, and I want to say thank you to my supporters, the voters, and our elections officials for their diligent work."

"We face urgent challenges as a community and a country. I remain focused on getting results: protecting our families, ensuring a robust economic recovery, and lowering the cost of health care. Whether you voted for me or not, I pledge to represent every member of this community. That’s my responsibility, and I take it seriously. It's a privilege to bring northern Illinois voices and values to Washington and I can’t wait to build upon all that we’ve accomplished, together."