Caulkins to Run in New District
Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) will run in the new 88th District next year. He avoids a potential primary with longtime Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington), who announced Wednesday he is running for Secretary of State.
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Rep. Dan Brady’s announcement that he’s vacating his House seat will cause a bit of a ripple effect.
Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) confirmed Tuesday night he'll run in the new 88th district next year. The formal announcement is expected around the district Thursday.
It will likely mean Caulkins has to move to the far north side of Decatur or Forsyth. His current home is in the 107th district, paired with ally Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville.) Brady was moved into the 88th in the final version of the map passed in September.
The new 88th encircles Decatur, moves north through Monticello and Farmer City, and includes the south and east sides of Bloomington-Normal.
Caulkins is known in Springfield as one of the members of the ultra conservative “eastern bloc,” that votes together on many key issues. The district opening up serves as a bit of a lifeline for him.
The district is expected to be heavily Republican.