Peoria Standard

Conservative reformer Travis Weaver has defeated State Rep. Mark Luft (R-Pekin) in the 93rd House District.

Weaver, a 29-year-old businessman and former Caterpillar employee, is concerned about the state's pension issue, high taxes and what he calls subpar educational performance.

"I am honored to represent my home in central Illinois, and I could not be more grateful to the voters who believed in me," Weaver said in a statement.

“Central Illinois is a special place, and folks across this district want a representative who is true to his word and is prepared to lead our state in the right direction. I look forward to working with business owners, farmers, parents, teachers, police and hard-working citizens who are so ready for positive, conservative reform. I am confident Illinois' best days are ahead, but only if we all work together and make it so.”

Luft was drawn into the district after a remapping earlier this year. Luft’s current district is the 91st.

Today, Weaver has 7,440 votes to Luft's 4,253 with 95% of the ballots counted.

Luft announced his loss in a Facebook post.

"Unfortunately, we came up short this election cycle. Although I won’t be serving in the General Assembly next year, I will continue to serve my community, district, and state,” he said.

Weaver’s father, Chuck Weaver, was a popular state senator who oversaw the same constituency from 2015 until 2021.

The old 97th District is represented by State Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield), who chose to not run for reelection.