Marron Won't Seek Re-Election, Creating Prime Dem Pickup Opportunity
Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) announced Monday he won’t seek re-election.
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Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian) announced Monday he won’t seek re-election next year, putting one of the most vulnerable downstate GOP seats fully in play in 2024.
Speculation about Marron’s future had kicked into high gear in recent weeks, especially considering his most recent fundraising report showed he had brought in just $550 in the second quarter of the year.
Marron did not return a message from The Illinoize Monday.
Marron’s Champaign and Vermilion County district became even more Democrat-friendly after redistricting. It includes far more of Champaign-Urbana proper than previously, areas of the region that were once solidly Republican that have now switched to blue since 2018. The district is split about 60/40 between Champaign and Vermilion Counties.
Governor Pritzker won the district by just over a point last year. President Biden won the district by about four points in 2020.
Marron defeated Cynthia Cunningham by about 17 points in 2020, but by around 8 points last year. Cunningham was not funded as a top candidate in either race.
City of Champaign Township Supervisor Andy Quarnstrom, a Champaign firefighter, told me Monday he may be interested in the race. I’ve heard a handful of potential GOP names in the district, but can’t confirm any. Former Champaign County Treasurer John Farney, who would have been a top candidate for Republicans, just moved out of the district.