AP declares Foster winner in Democratic primary for 11th U.S. House seat

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster got an early lead over challenger Qasim Rashid in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 11th Congressional District seat Tuesday night and never looked back.

With 84% of ballots counted, Foster was ahead 33,295 votes to 9,971 votes, unofficial results showed, more than enough for The Associated Press to call the race for Foster. The 11th District includes portions of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, DeKalb and Boone counties.

Foster, of Naperville, has represented the 11th since 2013. He represented the neighboring 14th District from 2008 to 2011.

Rashid, also of Naperville, attacked Foster’s stances or votes on health care, the war in Gaza, campaign financing and other national and international issues. A Rashid ad also mischaracterized why Foster left a candidate forum early, something Foster alluded to in his victory statement.

“I am grateful to everyone who supported this campaign and reaffirmed that character, integrity, and honesty matter in our district,” Foster said.

Foster likely will face Republican Jerry Evans of Warrenville, who was projected as the winner of the GOP primary Tuesday, in the Nov. 5 general election.