The population of this district is 26.68% rural. This district is in the northwest area of Illinois and partly contains Peoria. The predominant breakdown of residents' race is: 76% Caucasian, 12% African American, 8% Hispanic. The median income of this district is $45,360. 19% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. Illinois 17 has had a Democratic representative for the last 35 years except from 2011-2013. They voted Democratic in the last 6 presidential elections except 2016. The Democratic candidate running in this district is Cheri Bustos. She has been representing Illinois 17 since 2013. She wants to reduce the nation's debt, grow the economy, protect healthcare, and strengthen the militiary. The Republican candidate running in this district is Bill Fawell. He currently works as a real estate broker. His wants to decentralize federal agencies and introduce term limits.