AP Calls 12th Congressional Race for Bost, Bailey Concedes
Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) speaks to supporters after declaring victory in the 12th Congressional District primary Tuesday night. (Screen shot: Blueroom Stream)
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Surviving a bitter, bruising primary late Tuesday night, Congressman Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) declared victory in the 12th Congressional District primary and called for unity among the GOP.
“It is a good victory, but when it’s all said and done, we, as Republicans across the Illinois 12th and across the nation, have to unite, we have to work together,” Bost said Tuesday night. “Because if we’re going to turn this ship of state in the right direction, we have to take a larger majority in the House, we have to take the Senate, and we need a president to guide us from that Republican Party.”
Bost declared victory over former state senator and 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey Tuesday after watching a continuous a razor-thin margin as results ticked in after polls closed.
The Associated Press called the race for Bost Wednesday morning.
Bost appeared Tuesday night with supporters at a restaurant in his hometown of Murphysboro.
As of early Wednesday night, all but one county had fully reported results to The Illinoize, with Bost maintaining a roughly 1,300 vote lead.
Speaking to supporters in Louisville, in Clay County, Bailey said they “came up short” but left an impression.
“I think we made a statement,” Bailey said. “Hopefully, the party will take notice that we’re not gonna take this this sellout attitude.”
Even in defeat, Bailey hinted at his next campaign.
“We still have a grassroots organization like no other,” he told supporters at the Christian school he founded. “Let’s not give up and start educating ourselves and find out how our elected officials are voting and hold them accountable.”
Bost, meanwhile, surrounded by his wife and family, seemed to finally breathe a sigh of relief since Bailey launched his campaign last July.
“Primaries are tough,” Bost said. “And I’m really glad this one is over.”
Carbondale attorney Brian Roberts won the Democratic nomination for the 12th District Tuesday night. Donald Trump won the district by more than 40-points in 2020 and it is not expected to be competitive in November.