Democrat Lauren Underwood wins reelection to U.S. House in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District: AP

Democrat Lauren Underwood of Naperville has won reelection to U.S. House in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, according to The Associated Press.

With 93% of ballots in the race for Illinois’ 14th District seat counted, unofficial results showed Underwood leading Republican challenger Scott Gryder of Oswego 124,628 votes, or about 54%, to 107,247, or 46%.

Underwood and Gryder were on opposite sides of virtually all key issues.

Gun control was a particular dividing line. While Underwood supported enacting some new restrictions, Gryder — chair of the Kendall County Board — said existing laws need to be enforced better rather than creating new ones.

On abortion, Underwood called the recent Supreme Court decision striking down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and its abortion-rights protections “a tragedy.” Gryder, on the other hand, called Underwood’s stance “extreme” and said he would support a federal abortion ban.

Underwood was a much more successful fundraiser than Gryder. Through mid-October, Team Underwood had raked in about $6.5 million for TV ads and other campaign expenses. Gryder’s total was well shy of $1 million.

The new 14th District encompasses parts of Kane, Will, DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties.

The Daily Herald’s Russel Lissau contributed.

https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20221108/underwood-holding-lead-over-gryder-in-14th-congressional-race