Nikki Budzinski holds off progressive challenger Dylan Blaha in Illinois’ 13th District primary

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) has advanced to the general election after defeating progressive challenger Dylan Blaha in the state’s 13th Congressional District primary on Tuesday.

Budzinski, who was labeled a moderate by Blaha during the race, secured over 81% of the vote when NBC News called the race for her less than one hour after the polls closed. As of 8:30 p.m. CST, Budzinski had 76% while Blaha had 24%.

Budzinski was first elected in 2022 after redistricting gave Democrats the advantage in the 13th District and pushed incumbent U.S. Rep. Rodney David (R) out of the central-to-southern Illinois district. Before joining Congress, Budzinski worked for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s (D) 2018 gubernatorial campaign, and she was later named a senior advisor for him after he won.

Budzinski is a centrist Democrat who has crossed the aisle to vote on anti-immigration legislation, advocating for more Border Patrol agents and funding. In January 2025, Budzinski also voted for the Laken Riley Act, which mandated detaining immigrants accused of crimes without an opportunity for release. She has also accepted significant campaign contributions from pro-Israel lobbying groups in her career and voted to send weapons and money to Israel during its ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Blaha’s campaign

Blaha is a U.S. Army veteran and cancer research scientist who ran a comparatively very progressive campaign. The 32-year-old is further left on nearly every issue compared to Budzinski, including support for Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, advocating for Palestinians’ human rights, ending U.S. military support to Israel, AI regulation and accepting only grassroots donations.