Wheaton's Roskam captures another term in 6th Congressional District

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam secured another term in Congress on Tuesday by cruising to victory over Democratic challenger Amanda Howland in the 6th Congressional District.

With about 88 percent of the precincts reporting, Roskam had 195,886 votes, or about 59 percent, to Howland's 132,899, according to unofficial results.

The Wheaton Republican said he's "honored" to win and pledges to work hard every day.

"Election days are about coming together as a nation to make choices about the kind of country we want to be, and today I am reminded of what an incredible privilege that is," Roskam said. "Around the world, the vast majority of people do not have the opportunity to choose their own leaders. Our brilliant system of government is a legacy we should never take for granted.

"Despite our challenges, the United States is still the greatest country in the world to work, raise a family, and achieve your dreams," he said. "There is no better place to call home - it's not even close. Now it is up to the leaders elected today, regardless of party, to live up to that truth and achieve results for the American people."

Howland, an attorney who lives in Lake Zurich, faced an experienced campaigner in Roskam, a 55-year-old attorney.

Roskam has represented the district since 2007. He previously served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1993 to 1998 and as a member of the Illinois Senate from 2000 to 2006.

The 6th Congressional District stretches from Naperville to Tower Lakes and includes parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties.

During the campaign, Roskam and his staff provided conflicting answers on whether Roskam supported Donald Trump. He also declined several opportunities to appear with Howland.

Instead, Roskam remained focused on what he would try to accomplish during another term. He said Congress needs to tackle entitlement reform and "stop kicking the can down the road for the next generation to fix."

Both candidates in the race disagreed on Obamacare and immigration.

Roskam says the Affordable Care Act has been "a failure." As a result, he wants to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

When it comes to immigration, Roskam said the federal government first must show it can secure the nation's borders. He said that will allow other steps to be taken, including creating a guest worker program for low-wage workers and launching an initiative encouraging highly skilled workers from other countries to stay here.