Tammy Duckworth has easily won her Democratic primary for Illinois’ 8th District, and will now face fiery conservative Rep. Joe Walsh.
Duckworth, a disabled Iraq War veteran, previously ran for Congress in 2006, losing a close race in a heavily Republican district. She then served as the state Veterans Affairs director and as an assistant Veterans Affairs secretary under President Obama.
With 60 percent of precincts reporting, Duckworth had 66 percent of the vote, to 34 percent for former state Deputy Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi, according to the Associated Press.
Walsh was elected in the 2010 Republican wave, narrowly defeating incumbent Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean. His district was made more Democratic in the latest round redistricting, however. He has also been mired in legal battles with his ex-wife, who has alleged that he owes over $100,000 in back child support.
