PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Congressman Darin LaHood has announced his campaign for re-election for Illinois’s 16th Congressional District in the 2026 midterms.
LaHood has represented nearly 750,000 residents across 21 central and northern Illinois counties since 2023, according to a release from LaHood.
“Throughout my career in public service, I’ve had the honor of representing hardworking families across Illinois. I’m proud of the results we’ve delivered—lowering taxes, standing up to foreign economic threats like China, securing historic wins for the middle-class and small businesses, and ensuring the voices and values of our communities are amplified in Washington,” he said.
While he is “humbled and grateful” to be encouraged to run for statewide office, he said he has work he wants to continue.
“My focus remains on finishing the important work President Trump and House Republicans have promised the American people—to secure our nation, grow the economy, and advance the America First agenda. I am confident that our work both in Washington and throughout our district will continue to advance these priorities and deliver real results for the families, farmers, and job creators who call Illinois home,” LaHood said.
The Peoria Republican said he has led efforts to make Trump’s tax cuts permanent, reduce red tape for small businesses and farmers and expand global markets for Illinois-made products.
He also said he has been a leading voice on national security, cybersecurity and preventing Chinese Communist Party technologies from infiltrating America’s infrastructure.
LaHood enters 2026 with over $6 million in his reelection account.
Joe Albright, an instructor at Bradley University, previously announced he was running against LaHood for the 16th Congressional District.
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