Miller wins 15th congressional district race

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Republican Mary Miller defeated Democrat Erika Weaver Tuesday in the race to determine the congressional successor to outgoing Republican John Shimkus with 79 percent of precincts reporting.

Miller had 205,463 votes from the geographically sprawling 15th District compared to Weaver's 76,821 as of early Wednesday morning.

Miller said her campaign offered real service to voters in the district.

"During my campaign, we traveled to all 33 counties in our district, met with thousands of hardworking people and talked to countless voters," Miller said. "Voters across our district are tired of being offered lip service. They want someone who takes bold action to defend our values - values that are under assault every day."

She declared that she will represent voters in the district with an eye toward the Constitution.

"As your congresswoman, I'll stand for our God-given constitutional rights, the rule of law and a culture of freedom. I will fight for economic opportunities, including bringing manufacturing jobs home from overseas," she said. "I will always defend our religious liberties, our Second Amendment and I will stand up for the right to life and our families here in southern and central Illinois."

Miller praised the work of her campaign team and voter turnout for her win.

"Tonight's victory has been a total team effort. It is also a strong endorsement of our campaign's focus on bringing high-paying jobs to the district and fighting for our faith and families. I want to thank everyone who has helped in our effort and especially the voters who entrusted me to fight for them and our values in Washington," she said.