U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, won re-election Tuesday night as he beat his opponent, state Rep. Darlene Senger, according to unofficial election results.
"I am honored and humbled to receive the support of 11th District voters tonight," Foster said in a statement. "This is a victory for everyone who believes in strengthening the middle class, who believes that America succeeds when the middle class succeeds, and who believes in raising the minimum wage so that full time workers aren't living in poverty. This is a victory for students, teachers, and parents who believe in strong public schools, and making college more affordable for all American families.
“This is a victory for thoughtful public debate, a debate based on facts and logic and science instead of inflammatory and nonsensical talking points that do nothing but appeal to our worst instincts and fears. I am proud to have the opportunity to continue fighting for these priorities.”
Job growth and immigration reform were among the issues in the race for the 11th Congressional District.
Senger challenged Foster for the seat. The 11th District includes North Aurora, Aurora, Naperville, Lisle and Joliet.
Senger has been a state representative since 2009. Before that, she was on the Naperville City Council from 2002 to 2008.
Foster has held the 11th District seat since November 2012 after defeating former U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert. From 2008 to 2011, Foster represented Illinois’ 14th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was defeated in a race for that seat by then-state Sen. Randy Hultgren, R-Winfield.
Senger said she was concerned about Illinois' lackluster job growth.
"I want to get back to the day where we have good policies in place to create not just more jobs, but quality jobs and jobs with opportunities," Senger had said. "I feel bad for the kids in college. They have big college loans, but there is nothing for them when they get out."
As a businessman, Foster said he understands the needs of business owners, including that the nation’s tax code needs to be simplified. Foster said he started a company with his brother that now manufactures more than half of the theater lighting equipment in the United States.
Foster said in order to continue growing the region’s economy, “We need to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies and training in order to prepare our children to compete in a global workforce.”