Watseka special education teacher Josh Harms surfaced in a five-way race and defeated four other candidates to earn the Republican nomination for Illinois’ newly created 106th House District.

At a celebration with supporters at the Watseka Elk’s Club Tuesday night, Harms said “I’m very humbled and honored.  He said his campaign focused on creating jobs and building a future for our children……….

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As for a key to his victory, Harms said it was the great support from the people in Iroquois County. 

Harms received 62% of the Iroquois County vote.  He had 3223 votes to outdistance the second place finisher Tom Bennett of Gibson City, who had 888 votes.

Harms was the winner in a field that included Tom Bennett of Gibson City; Scott McCoy and Brian Gabor, both of Pontiac; and Richard Thomas of Dwight.

The district stretches from the Illinois River to the Indiana border and includes Pontiac, Dwight, Gibson City, Paxton and Onarga.

It was a crowded five-person race that split the vote; appearing to set up a war to see who could get the most from his home turf………..

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No Democrats filed to run in the race, but the Democratic Party chairmen across the 106th District can still meet to appoint a nominee.

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