Stadelman, West Considering Congressional Campaign
Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) on the Senate floor in 2019. Stadelman is considering a run for Congress in the new 17th District next year.
If Rockford-area Democrats have their way, there will be someone from their neck of the woods representing the new 17th district in Congress after the 2022 election.
Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) confirmed last night he’s waiting for the maps to be finalized before he makes a decision whether or not to run. Stadelman, who turns 61 next week, spent 25 years as a reporter and anchor at WTVO-TV in Rockford. He was elected to a new seat in 2012 and has represented it the entire decade. He is popular in the Rockford area and has gigantic name ID.
If Stadelman takes a pass on the race, eyes will likely turn to Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). West is closely aligned with House Speaker Chris Welch, but you have to know Democrats would love a young African American candidate for the seat.
We spoke to West Monday night and he said a primary against Stadelman “wouldn’t be a good idea.” But he says local Democratic leaders want to make sure the seat is held by someone from Rockford.
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara has already taken a pass on the race. It sounds like Republican Esther Joy King will run for the 17th again next year after she fell just short of the retiring Cheri Bustos last year. Bustos, from the Quad Cities, is not seeking re-election.