State Senator Darin LaHood has won the Republican special primary in the race to replace disgraced ex-Congressman Aaron Schock. LaHood defeated two other Republicans Tuesday, including conservative writer Michael Flynn.
High school teacher Robert Mellon won the Democratic primary, besting Springfield school board member Adam Lopez. LaHood and Mellon will square off during the general election Sept. 10.
LaHood had early backing from the state GOP, more money than the other candidates combined and key endorsements, including from the National Rifle Association, in the Republican-dominated district. But Flynn had argued voters were tired of party politics, particularly after the Schock scandal.
Schock resigned in March after mounting scrutiny of his extravagant spending, including redecorating his congressional office in the style of TV's "Downton Abbey." Two candidates also ran Tuesday in the Democratic primary.
