Freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, Who Flipped Republican Seat in 2018, Says He’ll Vote For Impeachment
Freshman Democratic Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove, who flipped a longtime Republican-leaning suburban district in 2018, said Thursday he will vote in favor of articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
"After reading, in full, the House Intelligence report, House Judiciary report, the articles of impeachment and hearing from constituents, I have decided to take the solemn step to vote to impeach the President for abusing the powers of his office for his own personal gain," Casten told his followers on social media.
"The facts are clear: President Trump withheld military aid to an ally, pressured a foreign government to interfere in our elections, and then systematically obstructed Congress' ability to learn the truth of his actions," Casten said.
As a scientist and businessman, Casten said, his career has "taught me that facts must be the basis for any decision. Those facts have led me to this decision."
Casten first announced his support for an impeachment inquiry in June, among the first in the state's congressional delegation, where Democrats hold a 13-5 advantage, to make the declaration.
He was one of two Democrats to flip traditionally Republican seats last year, defeating six-term GOP Rep. Peter Roskam of Wheaton 54% to 46% in the west and northwest suburban 6th Congressional District.
Casten's election and his support for impeachment may signal the further erosion of Republican support in DuPage County, once considered a major bulwark of the suburban GOP firewall that could counter Democrats in Chicago and Cook County.
In the 2016 presidential election, Democrat Hillary Clinton defeated Trump 50% to 43% in the 6th Congressional District.
Two Republicans have filed for their party's primary to take on Casten next November: former state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, an ardent Trump supporter, and Gordon Kinzler of Glen Ellyn.
Rep. Lauren Underwood of Naperville, the other Democrat who flipped a suburban seat last year when she defeated GOP Rep. Randy Hultgren of Plano, announced her support for an impeachment inquiry in August.
Underwood is still reviewing materials prior to next week's expected floor vote on the articles of impeachment, her office said this week.
Trump defeated Clinton 49% to 45% in Underwood's district in 2016.
Seven Republicans are competing in the March 17 primary for the opportunity to take on Underwood: State Sen. Sue Rezin of Morris, Catalina Lauf of Woodstock, Jerry Evans of Warrenville, state Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove, James Marter of Oswego, Ted Gradel of Naperville and Anthony Catella of St. Charles.
Earlier this week, suburban Democratic Rep. Bill Foster of Naperville announced his intention to vote for the articles of impeachment. Foster was among the last House Democrats to support an impeachment inquiry, voicing his support at the end of August.
"After careful consideration of the evidence presented over months during the impeachment inquiry, I believe the facts are clear: President Trump abused the power of his office to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political opponent to benefit his re-election campaign. This represents a gross violation of his oath of office and the public trust," Foster said in a statement.
Foster's 11th Congressional District, which stretches from Aurora to Bolingbrook and south to Joliet, is Democratic leaning. Voters in the district backed Clinton over Trump 59% to 35%.
Rachel Ventura of Joliet has filed to challenge Foster in the Democratic primary. Two Republicans filed for the GOP primary, Rick Laib of Joliet and Krishna Bansal of Naperville.
In October, the state's House delegation voted along party lines on the question of authorizing an impeachment inquiry. Democratic leaders in the state expect the same result when articles of impeachment are brought to the House floor.