Illinois Republican John Shimkus, who was first elected to Congress in 1996, announced Friday that his current term will be his last.

Republican Congressman John Shimkus from Illinois’ 15th Congressional District will be returning to Washington for another term. Shimkus, who has been in Congress since 1997, defeated Democratic challenger Kevin Gaither with roughly 70 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s midterm election. 

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Illinois's 15th Congressional district stretches from the southern tip of Illinois to parts of the Metro East Area of St. Louis all the way to Danville. Republican John Shimkus is running for his 12th term in Congress. He was unopposed in the 2016 general election but this year faces a challenge from Democrat Kevin Gaither of Charleston.

Rep. John Shimkus’ 15th Congressional District includes steelworkers near Granite City, whose jobs were restored shortly after President Trump imposed tariffs, and soybean farmers whose prices took a hit after China retaliated with their own tariffs. Shimkus said his top priority throughout the Farm Bill negotiations will be the agricultural safety net that will offer protections to farmers concerned about a looming trade war.