PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria County resident Garth Gullette says he’ll challenge Republican Congressman Darin LaHood for Illinois’ 16th District seat.

Gullette, a self-described independent Republican, says he plans to run a grassroots campaign focused on public safety, affordable housing, mental health issues, and bank reform.

LaHood, a Peoria native, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015…first in Illinois’ 18th District, then the 16th District following a redistricting process.

The 16th District covers 21 counties…including much of Central and West-Central Illinois.

Republican John Kitover previously announced his intention to run against LaHood in the March 17th primary next year. The general election will be on November 3rd, 2026.

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