Kathy Salvi Will Challenge Senator Tammy Duckworth in November
GOP nominee for U.S. Senate, Kathy Salvi, speaks to supporters in Lake Zurich early Wednesday. (Photo: Chicago Sun-Times)
Lake County attorney and former U.S. House candidate Kathy Salvi, a late entrant into the Republican field for U.S. Senate, defeated a field of far-right GOP candidates Tuesday for the right to take on incumbent Sen. Tammy Duckworth in November.
With around 95% of the expected vote counted Wednesday, Salvi led Peggy Hubbard by around 37,000 votes. Salvi had around 212,000 to Hubbard’s 175,000. The Associated Press called the race for Salvi just after midnight Wednesday.
“The people of this great state want a fighter in Washington, D.C.,” Salvi told supporters gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lake Zurich, according to the Sun-Times. “They want a common-sense leader who will defend American families, restore American prosperity, and protect the American dream for our children and grandchildren.”
Salvi finished second in a primary for Congress in 2006. Her husband, Al, was the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate in 1996, losing to Sen. Dick Durbin.
Duckworth, who was unopposed for the Democratic nomination Tuesday, begins the fall campaign with a significant fundraising advantage. Though, Salvi is said to have significant personal wealth, and can invest in the race at any point.
Most Washington-based forecasters believe the Illinois Senate race is solidly Democrat in November.