Voters Select Aaron Schock's Replacement In Congress: Darin LaHood

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois state Sen. Darin LaHood has won a special election to replace disgraced former U.S. Rep. 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 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 was appointed to the state Senate in 2011. He was widely expected to win the election to replace Schock over high school teacher Rob Mellon.

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

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