Freedom Caucus Rep. Davis "Exploring" Underwood Challenge
Rep. Jed Davis (R-Newark)
NOTE: This story was originally posted for subscribers only. To receive subscriber-only newsletters and content, click here.
While Underwood announced Monday she would seek re-election to the House, she may have picked up a new Republican challenger.
Rep. Jed Davis (R-Newark), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission Monday to run for Underwood’s 14th Congressional District.
But Davis told The Illinoize Monday night he filed the paperwork to begin raising money and to explore the congressional race, but won’t make a final decision on whether to run for Congress until next month.
“[This] filing gives me the legal ability to raise funds and travel the district as I explore a full campaign,” Davis said. “I expect to make a final decision by the end of June, hopefully sooner.”
Davis, a civil engineer by trade, is a staunch conservative who upset incumbent Rep. David Welter in the 2022 primary. Most insiders consider him a GOP “back bencher,” but has attempted to raise his profile this year.
“I have a log of momentum building behind the scenes, and the committee allows that momentum to materialize,” Davis said.
Underwood won her re-election by about 10-points in 2024 and by around 8-points in 2022, meaning it would likely be an uphill battle for any Republican to win the gerrymandered district.
Jim Marter, the Republican who lost to Underwood in 2024, is expected to seek the seat again next year.
If Davis doesn’t seek re-election to the state house, Welter says he won’t enter the race. He currently serves on the state’s Executive Ethics Commission. Former Kendall County Board Chairman Scott Gryder, who lost to Underwood in 2022, said he would consider the race.
The district includes Minooka, Morris, Oswego, and Yorkville.
