Dems Aim to Take Back House Seat After GOP Upset in 2022
Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) and former Rep. LaToya Greenwood, who are facing off in the 114th House District.
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Two years ago, one of the most shocking electoral surprises came in the Metro East, when unknown, underfunded Millstadt chiropractor Kevin Schmidt defeated incumbent Rep. LaToya Greenwood in the traditionally Democratic, East St. Louis-based district once represented by Black Democrat stalwarts like Wyvetter Younge.
But Greenwood learned quickly in 2022 that a remap that made the district less East St. Louis-based and included more rural areas in St. Clair County.
Greenwood, who admits she was “shocked” by the result two years ago, says it showed population loss in East St. Louis and “historically low” Black turnout hurt her two years ago.
“There were some areas that I had probably could have done a better job in the connection (with voters),” she said. “I had done a lot of policy work, legislative work, had brought money back to my district, but possibly the meeting and greeting with my constituents was maybe a piece that was lacking. I don’t know.”
Schmidt, 42, of Millstadt, says the way Democrats drew the district in 2021 made the seat far more winnable for Republicans.
“I knew the new lines. I know the demographics here. I know how people think and vote,” he said. “I was not surprised. The people in Springfield are out of touch They’re the ones who were surprised.”
Greenwood, 50, is attempting to make a comeback with significant spending from House Democrats, making the race one of the most likely pickups for Democrats in November.
“This district is still a winnable district,” Greenwood said.
Greenwood says one of her top priorities is “providing health care to all Illinoisans,” though didn’t get into plans to pay for or facilitate the idea.
She said voters in the district are often caring for elderly parents and looking to “access funds for kids who want to go to college or get into the trades.”
She also said health care, prescription drug costs, high consumer prices are on the minds of voters.
Schmidt says the district is working class and most voters he hears from are concerned about high taxes and the cost of living.
“The stock market is booming, but they don’t have a lot of wealth in the stock market,” he said. They’re seeing the price of everything going up and their wages not keeping up. They’re tight on money.”
But Democrats have spent much of their effort so far attempting to label Schmidt as an anti-abortion extremist.
Schmidt disagrees with the Democratic charges.
“My position is the state of Illinois is too extreme,” he said. “With taking away parental notification and allowing abortions up until the date of birth, that’s an extreme stance. I think we should walk that back some.”
Greenwood didn’t back down from the allegations and said Schmidt’s position matters to voters.
“It is an issue that is resonating with some of the voters here in our area,” Greenwood said.
President Biden won the district by about seven points in 2020, but GOP gubernatorial nominee Darren Bailey won the district by about two points in 2022.
Since September 1, House Democrats have spent around $425,000 on digital, staff, and mail for Greenwood. Last week, House Democrats gave her around $211,000, likely to be used for television, we’re told. In the same period, she has raised around $290,000 in large donations.
Republicans have spent about $81,000 on digital, staff, mail, production, and polling since September 1. Schmidt has raised $26,000 in large donations in that period.
