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SPRINGFIELD, IL (WAND) – As the night ended, Democrat Nicky Budzinski reached a new milestone. She became the first woman ever to represent central and southern Illinois in Congress.

The Springfield resident’s victory was a success for Democrats trying to retain control of the US House of Representatives. 13^thousand The district was split during the legislative redistricting process to give Democrats an advantage, which resulted in her defeat by Republican Regan Deering of Decatur. Budzinski led all night and was placed at the top of the vote in Champaign County. The district caused long delays throughout the evening with slow election returns.

Budzinski tells WAND News that she will focus on tax cuts for the middle class. She also says she will try to be a champion for working people in her district.