West Central Reporter

Illinois Congressional candidate Esther Joy King is basking in the season.

“Summer time in Western and Central Illinois is full of life and activity, especially this year,” King recently posted on Facebook. “This week, we spent time at two county fairs, in Peoria and Aledo, meeting people and taking part in the best of agriculture, tractor pulls and livestock charity auctions. I even got to hand out yummy hot dogs. My favorite part is always talking with people to learn about what matters.”

King, running as a Republican, said chief among the concerns she heard were worries about inflation and how much regular-living prices are going up.

“We are fighting to preserve the best of what our country is, for everyone,” she said. “And county fairs highlight the best of the Midwest, for sure.”

King has been here before, challenging U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Moline) in 2020 and coming up short by just four points. With Bustos not seeking reelection, King is hoping this could be her time.

"Cheri has always claimed she knew this district well — so she clearly saw what we’re seeing every day: (the 17th District) was going to make a change in 2022 and Cheri was destined to lose,” King told the QC Times. “The people of the (17th District) accomplished this. I’m proud to be part of a movement to bring better representation to the best people I know.”