Newman leads in Democratic nomination, likely faces Fricilone

Democrat Marie Newman appears to be in the lead in the race for her party’s nomination for the 3rd Congressional District and likely will face Republican Mike Fricilone in November.

The incumbent Democrat, Rep. Dan Lipinski drew primary challenges from Newman, Rush Darwish and Charles Hughes. With 90% of the vote in, Newman had a little over 47% of the vote with Lipinski close behind with a little over 43% of the vote. Darwish had about 6% and Hughes about 2%.

Lipinski’s challengers argued he was out of step with voters, citing his votes against the Affordable Care Act and anti-abortion rights views. In the 2018 primary, Lipinski edged out Newman by about 2% of the vote, but in Will County, she was ahead by about 17%, or about 1,200 votes.

Newman argued for a federal minimum wage of $15 an hour, paid family leave and universal childcare.

Lipinski has touted his “common sense” policy platform focused on enhancing the manufacturing sector and his work securing funding for local infrastructure projects during his time in office. He’s often criticized Newman for her stances.

In one piece of campaign literature, Lipinski’s campaign described Newman’s health care position as an “extreme healthcare scheme.” He’s also accused her of “running a ‘tea party of the left,” in response to her support from progressive organizations.

He first was elected to the House of Representatives in 2004, taking over from his father, Bill Lipinski, who served in Congress since the early 1980s.

Fricilone, who serves as the minority leader on the Will County Board, defeated Catherine O’Shea and Arthur Jones.

He earned over 58% of the vote while O’Shea earned about 31% and Jones had 10%.

Republicans across the state and federal government had lambasted Jones’ candidacy because of his anti-Semitic views, including denying the fact of the Holocaust. Jones also used to be a member of the American Nazi party.

Fricilone said he wanted to prevent what happened in 2018 when Jones ran unopposed for the Republican nomination in the 3rd District. Lipinski defeated him easily that year.

The Republican leaders in the Illinois legislature, Republican members of Congress from Illinois and GOP members of the Will County Board all consolidated their support around Fricilone.

For his part, Fricilone focused his campaign attacks on Jones with the phrase, “Defeat the Nazi.”

The 3rd Congressional District includes portions of Crest Hill, Homer Glen, Lemont, Lockport, Romeoville and extends to the southwest side of Chicago.