PEORIA — Early voting is starting in the special primary election to replace former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, who resigned earlier this year from his seat in a central Illinois district.
A consent decree sets forth that Thursday be the first day for early voting. The primary election to replace Schock is July 7, followed by the Sept. 10 special general election for Illinois’ 18th congressional district.
Candidates in the primary include Republicans Darin LaHood, Donald Rients and Mike Flynn, and Democrats Rob Mellon and Adam Lopez. LaHood is the son of former congressman and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Schock resigned from Congress in March following media reports about his spending, including office decorations in the style of the TV show “Downton Abbey.”