Two GOP Candidates Vie for Illinois' 13th District Seat

Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson compete in Republican primary for congressional race.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:04pm

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Two Republican candidates, Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson, are competing in the primary election to run for the 13th Congressional District of Illinois. Loyd, a West Point graduate and army veteran, is focusing his campaign on energy, education, and the economy. Wilson, a former nuclear submarine officer and Champaign County Board member, is emphasizing his experience in the nuclear energy industry and opposition to diversity and inclusion efforts. The winner of the Republican primary will face the Democratic nominee, either incumbent Nikki Budzinski or challenger Dylan Blaha, in the November general election.

Why it matters

The 13th Congressional District of Illinois is considered a battleground, with the seat currently held by a Democrat. The outcome of the Republican primary could determine the party that controls this House seat in the next Congress, which could impact the balance of power in Washington.

The details

Loyd, a West Point graduate and army veteran, is running on a platform focused on energy, education, and the economy. He wants to invest tax dollars back into the community and increase domestic energy production. Wilson, a former nuclear submarine officer and current Champaign County Board member, is emphasizing his experience in the nuclear energy industry and opposition to diversity and inclusion efforts. Both candidates are calling for tighter immigration policies and support for the U.S. involvement in the Middle East conflict.

  • The Republican primary election in Illinois' 13th Congressional District will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2026.

The players

Joshua Loyd

A U.S. Military Academy West Point graduate, army veteran, and former trades representative for Skills USA.

Jeff Wilson

A former U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer, with 30 years of experience in the nuclear energy industry, and a current Champaign County Board member.

Nikki Budzinski

The incumbent Democratic representative for Illinois' 13th Congressional District.

Dylan Blaha

The Democratic challenger for Illinois' 13th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“I've summed up my policy proposals on three 'E's' — energy, education, and economy.”

— Joshua Loyd, Republican Candidate

“I would like to see more nuclear energy powerplant generating stations here in Illinois. You know what it would do? Create a tremendous amount of jobs.”

— Jeff Wilson, Republican Candidate

“Parents want to parent, farmers want to farm. People are tired of DEI. People are tired of gender confusion.”

— Jeff Wilson, Republican Candidate

What’s next

The winner of the Republican primary on March 19, 2026 will face the Democratic nominee in the November 2026 general election for Illinois' 13th Congressional District.

The takeaway

The Republican primary in Illinois' 13th Congressional District is a key battleground race that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The two GOP candidates, Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson, are offering contrasting visions on energy, education, and social issues as they compete to advance to the general election.