94th District

Biggsville's Josh Higgins Topples Longtime Incumbent Norine Hammond for GOP Nod in 94th District

Josh Higgins secured a decisive victory in the Republican Primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 94 on Tuesday, defeating longtime incumbent Norine Hammond and challenger Bailey Templeton with approximately 58% of the vote.

In his victory speech, Higgins expressed profound gratitude and outlined a vision for conservative renewal in the state. 

“This has been a pretty incredible journey. Tonight, I stand here deeply thankful, humbled by the trust that you have placed in our campaign and our shared vision for a better Illinois, including inside the Republican Party,” he said.

He began by thanking God for guidance, his wife Lindsey for her support, and his employer Rich Lutz for flexibility. Higgins also credited supporters like Dillan Vancil for encouraging his run, along with county chairs, precinct committee members, and donors.

“I really can't thank you all enough,” he emphasized. “Obviously when I started this six months ago, I had no idea what I was doing.”

Higgins singled out key endorsements and allies, praising Tom DeVore, Rep. Chris Miller and the Illinois Freedom Caucus, “best Republican legislators in the state of Illinois,” and that he is looking forward to joining their team. 

He highlighted U.S. Rep. Mary Miller's bold endorsement against a fellow party incumbent, calling it a testament to her courage, and thanked Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar for their support despite potential political costs.

“I'm so happy to be surrounded by so many courageous, Christ-centered individuals that are willing to do the hard thing to change this state,” Higgins said. 

Shifting to the future, Higgins acknowledged evolving perspectives from the campaign trail.

“In the beginning of this campaign, I said things a little bit differently. I said, Hey, I'm going to go and I'm going to pass legislation that's going to get your taxes lowered... get your utility bills lower... finally get school choice implemented here,” he reflected. 

“I realized a lot of things over this last six months, and what I realized is that's not my fight, that's not our battle.”

Instead, he committed to working with the Freedom Caucus to elect principled conservatives free from special interest influence.

“We're going to work to get good people elected, good people, not people that take money from special interest groups or teachers unions, people like me,” he declared.

Higgins called for introspection within the Republican Party: “It's time for the Republican Party to take a hard look in the mirror. We can't keep doing the same things [and] expect different results. It's time to get organized, disciplined and focus on what truly matters. We need to stop wasting money protecting legislators who have forgotten what conservatism really means.”

He concluded with resolve: “That's why I'm proud to stay with the Freedom Caucus, and we're going to roll up our sleeves to help get good people all across the state together. We're going to change the makeup of the General Assembly, so when we fight for conservative principles, we actually have the votes to win.”

Higgins' upset signals a shift toward more conservative, grassroots-aligned representation in western Illinois.