Sanguinetti Sets Sights On Casten's Seat In 6th District

WHEATON, IL -- It seems like Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL 6) just took the oath of office as the 6th District's first Democratic Representative in nearly 50 years, but as the fast-moving world of Congressional politics goes, he's already facing a potential challenger in 2020. Evelyn Sanguinetti, who served as the state's lieutenant governor from 2014 to 2019, announced her bid for the District 6 GOP nomination Monday.

In her official announcement on her Facebook page, Sanguinetti writes, "I want my children to live the American Dream like I have. It starts with the freedom and liberty to make their own choices. Freedom and liberty drive the American Dream forward, and inspires innovation and entrepreneurship. It allows a little girl a chance to be who she wants, live how she wants to live, and set her own path in life."

Sanguinetti served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Bruce Rauner and was the former governor's running mate in the 2018 election, when he was unseated by current Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Before serving as lieutenant governor, Sanguinetti served on the Wheaton City Council.

Casten's win in District 6 flipped a traditionally Republican area that went blue in 2016 by voting for Hillary Clinton. The shifting political tide in the district made Casten's 2018 run against former Rep. Peter Roskam (R) one of the most-watched races in the nation.

In her bid for the 2020 GOP nomination, Sanguinetti hopes to flip the 6th District back to Republican leadership.