Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Champaign area retiree hoping to unseat U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) says the incumbent does not adequately represent the 13th District.

“For example, she voted for the largest tax increase in U.S. history, which affects you and me and our taxes. We could do better with the money in our pocket rather than in the government’s pocket,” said Republican Jeff Wilson. “And then she voted No to support our national defense. She voted No for our veterans to have Second Amendment rights.”

Wilson said he is retired from a career in the nuclear industry, served on a nuclear submarine in the Navy, and is in his second term on the Champaign County Board.

The 13th District includes parts of the Champaign area, Decatur, Springfield, and the Metro East. The district, says Wilson, “is a combination of agriculture, business, manufacturing, health care, college. It’s kind of like a microcosm of the United States, all in central Illinois. It’s kind of like the heart of Illinois, the Land of Lincoln.”

Budzinski is seeking a third term.