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LaHood Wins Special Election for Congress

Darin LaHood is the new congressman for the 18th District in west central Illinois.

State Senator Darin LaHood (R-Dunlap) has won a special election to replace disgraced former Congressman Aaron Schock.

The outcome of Thursday's election will bring a familiar name to Washington, D.C., and the number of House members back to 435.

LaHood is the son of former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a longtime congressman. The sprawling west central Illinois district has long been strongly Republican.

Schock resigned in March following scrutiny on his spending, including the extravagant redecoration of his Washington office in the style of "Downton Abbey."

Darin LaHood received nearly 70% of the votes in the special congressional election to defeat Democratic candidate Rob Mellon of Quincy.

Along with name recognition, LaHood had key endorsements and out-fundraised Mellon $1.2 million to about $10,700.

Schock Attends Fundraiser in Chicago

Meanwhile, Schock made a rare public appearance since resigning.

Crain's Chicago Business reports the Republican attended a Navy Seal Foundation fundraiser Wednesday at a Chicago hotel with other high-profile guests.

Schock has declined to comment on his time in office or a federal investigation. He stepped down in March after reports questioning his spending, including redecorating his congressional office in the style of "Downton Abbey" and travels documented on Instagram.

He told Crain's he's involved in real estate as he was before he took office.