SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Republican officials have chosen Rodney Davis as the GOP nominee for longtime Congressman Tim Johnson’s seat.

Davis, of Taylorville, is Republican Congressman John Shimkus’ aide.

According to a statement, Republican Party chairmen from 14 counties met in Springfield on Saturday and selected Davis for the newly-created 13th District.

Johnson first took office in 2001 and easily won his seat in the Illinois primary election on March 20. However, shortly after he dropped his re-election campaign, citing family reasons.

That meant that GOP officials had to pick a replacement for the November ballot. Davis will face Democrat David Gill. He’s a Bloomington physician.

The new 13th District stretches across parts of central and southwestern Illinois.

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