BND 2026 Voter Guide: 13th congressional district Republican primary
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the 13th congressional district Republican primary that features Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson in the district that stretches from the metro-east to Champaign.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested races in the March 17 Illinois primary and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about the Republican primary for the 13th congressional district, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about other candidates running in the primary.
Below are the responses from Loyd and Wilson. They are running to be the Republican nominee in the Nov. 3 election. (They’re listed alphabetically.)
NAME: JOSHUA LOYD
Age as of March 17, 2026: 28
Campaign website or social media page: loydforcongress.com
Office seeking: U.S. Congress
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes U.S. Congress IL-13
Occupation: Self-employed
Education: B.S. Business management - USMA
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: 3x PVSA, Military, PC, BSA Eagle, 2x Campaign volunteer, Vocations and Trade advocate in D.C.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Unsure
How much money have you raised for your campaign? Unsure
Why are you running? The people of Illinois’ 13th District deserve a representative who understands duty, responsibility and accountability. I believe in our nation and saddened by the corrupt and failing system that is throwing my generation under a moving bus.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Education, energy, economy
Why should people vote for you? People deserve a representative who listens even when we disagree. If people would like to contact me directly and speak, please reach out at Joshua@loydforcongress.com or visit my website at Loydforcongress.com. I manage all communication directly and would love to have discussions
Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No
NAME: JEFF WILSON
Age as of March 17, 2026: 72
Campaign website or social media page: www.wilsonforcongress.com
Office seeking: U.S. Congress - 13th District
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Champaign County Board, serving second term.
Occupation: Retired. Previously, senior manager
Education: BS mech. engineering. MS nuclear engineering
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Helping homeless veterans, and PTSD impacted veterans and their families.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Self, two individuals (See FEC Record)
How much money have you raised for your campaign? As Dec 31, 2025: $161,296.69
Why are you running? I’m running for Congress because I love Illinois and this country. I refuse to stand by while the principles that made America strong are ignored and weakened. The strength of our nation comes from our Founding Fathers’ vision — faith in God, trust in the people, limited government, separated powers, consent of the governed, and the God-given rights protected by our Constitution.
Central Illinois needs a representative who not only defends those values but also genuinely cares about the families, farmers, workers, and small business owners who live them every day.
By sending me to Washington to serve you, I pledge to protect your freedoms, fight for jobs and an economy that works, ensure safety and security, demand transparency and integrity, where our American values of hard work are rewarded, communities are safe, and our children have every reason to hope. My campaign is driven by gratitude and devotion to this great country and to Illinois, the Land of Lincoln. And striving to make both stronger and better.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? While traveling the district, I continually hear concerns about several issues. The border, cost of living, safety, corruption, education, parental rights and healthcare.
The top issue is immigration, closely followed by the economy (particularly housing, energy, and jobs). Families are concerned about future financial security and prospects. The people of IL-13 are hurt by inadequate representation in Washington, D.C.
Although the border is secured, Illinois remains a sanctuary state, this hurts national security and the lives of working families. High taxes, along with wrongheaded Illinois energy police that drive prices up, hurt working families and farmers. Causing many to leave.
In Congress, I’ll listen first and then act. I’ll fight for practical, conservative solutions: keep the border secure, rein in reckless spending, unleash American energy, and back policies that help families, farmers and small businesses thrive — making Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, a place people are proud to call home.
Why should people vote for you? I am a proud Navy veteran, nuclear engineer with a master’s in nuclear engineering, and proven public servant, ready to represent the people of Illinois’ 13th Congressional District with strength and integrity.
I served this country aboard a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine and built a decades-long career in nuclear energy. I’ve also been twice elected to the Champaign County Board, where I gained a deep, practical understanding of how government should work for taxpayers, not against them.
As a conservative leader, I bring together technical expertise and hands-on local government experience, and real-world experience to tackle complex policy challenges while staying grounded in the everyday concerns of families, workers, and small business owners throughout the district. On a personal note, married 30 years to Becky, we have eight children and 11 grandchildren.
The greatness and promise of America live in the good people of Illinois’ 13th District. This district is home to families, farmers, workers, veterans, students, business owners, and professionals — the backbone of our country, men and women who work hard, play by the rules, and deserve a fair shot at the American dream. I will fight for that dream every day. Fight for jobs and a strong economy. I’ll take your voice to Washington, D.C.
Vote for Jeff Wilson. For more information, Visit: WilsonforCongress.com
Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No