Peoria County Republican announces his candidacy for IL’s 16th District seat

Peoria, IL, USA 102.7 Super Hits

Garth Gullette, a Republican from Peoria County, says he'll run against Rep. Congressman Darin LaHood for the 16th District seat in the March 17, 2026 primary. (ballotpedia photo)

PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria County resident Garth Gullette says he’ll challenge incumbent Republican Congressman Darin LaHood for Illinois’ 16th District seat.

Gullette, a self-described independent Republican, says he plans to run a grassroots campaign focused on public safety, affordable housing, mental health issues, and bank reform.

LaHood, a Peoria native, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015…first in Illinois’ 18th District, then the 16th District following a redistricting process.

The 16th District covers 21 counties…including much of Central and West-Central Illinois.

Republican John Kitover previously announced his intention to run against LaHood in the March 17th primary next year. The general election will be on November 3rd, 2026.