The Republican Primary
June 27, 2022
In today’s State of the Race Series, we highlight the importance of Illinois’ 15th Congressional District, and how its candidates and positions will impact the makeup of the 118th Congress. Regarding the GOP Primary, (in which the seat will almost certainly stay following the General Election in November) The Jewish Insider describes that “the heavily rural, deep-red seat pits Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL), who previously held a much more competitive seat, against Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), a Freedom Caucus member endorsed by former President Donald Trump.”
On the issues, Rep. Davis has been a vocal supporter of Israel, critical of Iran, and has fervently condemned the practices of BDS, especially initiatives targeting Jewish students. Rep. Davis has voted for measures in the House that disapprove of anti-Israel actions at the UN. Following a Joint Address to Congress by former Prime Minister Netanyahu in 2015, Rep. Davis made a statement that noted: “The United States must stand with our ally Israel and support greater sanctions against Iran. Preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is not only in the best interest of Israel but critical to the safety and security of the U.S.”
Rep. Davis will face off against another incumbent, Rep. Mary Miller, in this primary. On the issues, Rep. Miller has attempted to stand with Israel by making statements calling for further collaboration and noting her personal recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital – but these are overshadowed by the continuous, unacceptable, and upsetting remarks she has made during her time in office. In 2021, Rep. Miller made a reference in which she said “Hitler was right on one thing.” Although she apologized shortly after, actions speak louder than words.
In a recent faux pas, Rep. Miller called the Supreme Court’s horrific decision to overturn the decades-long precedent set out by Roe V. Wade, “a victory for white life.” The American Jewish Congress quickly condemned her remarks.