The 2021 Illinois general election took place on Saturday, February 27, 2021 to elect Members of Parliament for the Republic of Illinois. The winners of this election serve in the 1st Parliament. The Democratic Party, which held a majority in the former General Assembly, won a majority of 120 seats in the Parliament, electing Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego as Prime Minister, while Republican leader Jim Durkin was defeated after standing in Proviso South-Western Springs. The inauguration of the 1st Parliament occurred on Monday, March 8, 2021.[1] Democrats fell short of a two-thirds supermajority by two seats.
Under the parliamentary system adopted by the Republic of Illinois after secession, parties contesting the general election elected leaders through a full membership vote on Saturday, January 31, 2021. Along with the statewide leadership ballot, individual riding primaries were held to determine the candidate standing for each party in each riding. Mike Madigan, former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and former representative Stephanie Kifowit ran for leader of the Democratic Party. Madigan was regarded as the heavy favorite and Kifowit's run was written off as a long-shot. However, developments in the ComEd bribery scandal lent late momentum to Kifowit's campaign, and she ultimately pulled off an upset of 40,000 votes.
Benton-Newport-Zion • Waukegan • Gurnee-North Chicago • Libertyville-Mundelein • Avon • Moraine-Shields • Lincolnshire-West Deerfield • Ela-Vernon Hills • Wauconda • Antioch-Lake Villa • McHenry • Marengo-Woodstock • Crystal Lake • Algonquin • Kane North • Dundee • Elgin • Kane Central • Aurora South-Kaneville • Aurora East • Aurora West-Batavia • Geneva-St. Charles • Wayne • Winfield • Naperville West • Naperville East • Lisle • Downers Grove • Westmont-Willowbrook • York East • York West • Glen Ellyn • Carol Stream-Wheaton • Addison South-Glendale Heights • Addison North-Bloomingdale • Roselle-Schaumburg South • Bartlett-Schaumburg West • Barrington-Hanover • Palatine West • Schaumburg North • Elk Grove • Arlington Heights-Mount Prospect • Palatine East • Wheeling • Glenview North-Northbrook • New Trier-Evanston North • Maine North-Glenview South • Des Plaines-Park Ridge • Morton Grove-Skokie North • Evanston Central-Skokie South • East Rogers Park-Evanston South • West Ridge • Edgewater-Rosehill • Uptown • Albany Park-Lincoln Square • Forest Glen-Lincolnwood • Jefferson Park-Portage Park North • Harwood Heights-Norridge • O’Hare • Leyden-Proviso West • Maywood • Elmwood Park-Oak Park • Austin • Garfield Park-Lawndale North • Humboldt Park • Belmont Cragin South • Belmont Cragin North • Hermosa-Irving Park West • Avondale-Irving Park East • Lake View West-North Center • Lake View East • Lincoln Park • Logan Square-West Town West • Gold Coast-West Town East • Magnificent Mile-Near North Side • Near West Side • The Loop • Armour Square-Chinatown • Lower West Side-Marshall Square • Cicero East-South Lawndale • Berwyn South-Cicero West • Berwyn North-Riverside • Proviso South-Western Springs • Clearing-Stickney North • Lyons South • Lemont-Palos • Worth West • Mount Greenwood-Worth East • Burbank-Oak Lawn • Midway-West Lawn • Archer Heights-Gage Park • Brighton Park-New City • Grand Boulevard-Kenwood-Oakland • Hyde Park-Washington Park • Chicago Lawn-Englewood • Ashburn-Forest Hill • Auburn Gresham-Brainerd • Avalon Park-Burnside-Chatham • Jeffery Manor-South Chicago • Lake Calumet • Roseland-Washington Heights • Beverly-Calumet Park • Thornton North •Calumet City-Lansing • Bloom East-Thornton South • Bloom West • Rich • Bremen South • Bremen North • Orland West • Homer Glen-Lockport • Bolingbrook • Wheatland East • Plainfield North-Wheatland West • Plainfield South • Channahon West-Troy • Channahon East-Joliet • Frankfort-New Lenox • Will South • Kankakee North-Will East • Kankakee Central • Iroquois-Kankakee South • Grundy-Kendall South • Oswego • Genoa-Sandwich • DeKalb-Sycamore • Boone North • Rockford Central • Rockford South • Rockford North • Stephenson East-Winnebago • Stephenson West • Lee North-Ogle • Lee South-Whiteside • East Moline • Moline-Rock Island • Henry-Mercer •Bureau-Marshall-Putnam • LaSalle North • LaSalle South-Livingston • McLean West-Woodford • Bloomington-Normal • Champaign North-McLean East • Champaign Central • Urbana • Greater Champaign • Vermillion • Coles East-Edgar-Douglas • Mattoon-Moultrie-Shelby • Decatur • De Witt-Logan East-Piatt • Mason-Menard-Tazewell South • Tazewell North • Peoria South-Tazewell West • Peoria Central • Peoria East • Knox-Warren North • Hancock-McDonough • Fulton-Pike East • Adams-Pike West •Greene-Macoupin-Morgan • Sangamon North • Springfield • Christian West-Sangamon South • Christian South-Montgomery • Calhoun-Godfrey-Jersey • Madison North • Madison South • Granite City-Edwardsville • East St. Louis • Caseyville-Fairview Heights • Belleville-Freeburg • Greater St. Clair • Monroe-Randolph • Jackson-Union • Golconda-Harrisburg • Saline-Williamson • Franklin-Hamilton-Perry • Mount Carmel-Mount Vernon • Clinton-Washington • Bond-Fayette-Marion • Clay-Effingham-Richland • Clark-Crawford-Lawrence
The riding of Benton-Newport-Zion is based in northwestern Lake County, and also includes the cities of Beach Park and Winthrop Harbor. Zion City Commissioner Jaqueline Holmes stood for the Democrats, and real estate agent Dave Brucker stood for the Republicans. Both ran unopposed in their primaries.
The riding of Waukegan includes the city for which it is named, Waukegan, as well as small portions of Park City. Former Illinois State Representative Rita Mayfield stood for the Democrats, while elementary school principal Jacob Parston stood for the Republicans. Mayfield was unopposed in her primary, while Parston was challenged for the Republican standing by businessman Richard Fulton.
The riding of Gurnee-North Chicago includes most of North Chicago and Warren Township in Lake County. Former Illinois State Representative Joyce Mason stood for the Democrats, while attorney Nick McAllen stood for the Republican. Neither had opponents in their primaries.
Iris J. Millán, Community Affairs Liaison for Wilbur Wright College, former Community Development Manager of St. Joseph Services, and former Director of Community Affairs for the 1st Ward Office for the City of Chicago.[8]
Alyx S. Pattison, Campaign staffer and Congressional Aide to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, former Local School Council Member and tutor of Jose de Diego Community Academy, Wicker Park, and former Commissioner of the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues.[9]
Delia C. Ramirez, former Campaign Chair for Irizarry for 26th Ward Alderman, former Deputy Director of the Community Renewal Society, and former Executive Director of the Center for Changing Lives.[10]
Anne Shaw, Community Activist and Civil Rights Attorney.[11]
After winning her primary election, Ramirez would face no Republican challenger in the general election.
Felicia Bullock, first-time candidate and procurement buyer.[14]
Ken Dunkin, former representative of the 5th district, losing his primary race in 2016 to former representative Juliana Stratton.
Lamont Robinson, small business owner, Director of the Kappa Leadership Institute based out of Kenwood High School, and member of the 51st Street Business Association.[15]
Dilara Sayeed, first-time candidate and volunteer for several campaigns and candidates over 15 years, educator, and tech entrepreneur.[16]
After winning his primary election, Robinson would face no Republican challenger in the general election. Through his election and swearing-in, Lamont Robinson made history by becoming the first openly LGBTQ person of color to serve in the Illinois General Assembly.[17]
The 14th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Evanston and includes parts of the Chicago neighborhoods of Edgewater, Rogers Park, Uptown, and West Ridge.[4][5] The district has been represented by Democrat Kelly Cassidy since her appointment in May 2011.[26] Cassidy faced a primary challenger from Arthur Noah Siegel, former worker on Bernie Sanders' campaign and business owner in construction.[27] After winning her primary election, Cassidy would not face any Republican challenger in the general election.
The 16th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, and Skokie and includes parts of the Chicago neighborhoods of North Park and West Ridge.[4][5] The district had been represented by Democrat Lou Lang since his appointment in July 1987.[30] Lang faced neither any Democratic challenger in his primary nor any Republican challenger in the general election. After winning his election, Lang would resign two days before his inauguration to work as a lobbyist.[31]Yehiel Mark Kalish was appointed to fill the seat.[32]
The 17th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Evanston, Glenview, Golf, Morton Grove, Northbrook, Skokie, and Wilmette.[4] The district had been represented by Democrat Laura Fine since January 9, 2013.[33] On July 28, 2017, Fine announced her intention to run for the senate seat being vacated by Daniel Biss, leaving her seat open.[34] The Democratic primary for the 17th district seat featured five candidates.
Candance Chow, Evanston/Skokie District 65 school board president.[35]
Alexandra Eidenberg, President & Co-Founder of The Insurance People, founder of We Will, and has worked on campaigns for Illinois Representative Robert Martwick, US Representative Chuy Garcia, and US Senator Bernie Sanders.[37]
The 19th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge, and River Grove and includes parts of the Chicago neighborhoods of Dunning, Forest Glen, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, O'Hare, and Portage Park.[4][5] The district has been represented by Democrat Robert Martwick since January 9, 2013.[43] Martwick faced a primary challenger from Jeffrey La Porte, police officer, former Director for the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce, and former Parent Representative for Onahan Elementary LSC.[44] The Republican challenger in this election was Ammie Kessem, sergeant of police and an active parishioner of the St. Monica Catholic Church.[45]
The 20th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Des Plaines, Franklin Park, Harwood Heights, Niles, Norridge, Park Ridge, Rosemont, and Schiller Park and includes parts of the Chicago neighborhoods of Dunning, Edison Park, Norwood Park, and O'Hare.[4][5] The district has been represented by Republican Michael McAuliffe since his appointment in July 1996. He was the Assistant Republican Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives during the 100th General Assembly.[46] McAuliffe is the only Republican to serve parts of Chicago in the Illinois House. According to Illinois Election Data, the 20th district was the most Democratic district represented by a Republican during the election.[47] The Democratic challenger in this election was Merry Marwig, former Democratic candidate for this district in 2016 and owner of a data security company. After winning her primary, Marwig announced she would step down from the race, saying “changing circumstances in my family have forced me to reconsider my run.”[48] After Marwig stepped down from the race, McAuliffe would face no other Democratic challenger in the general election.
The 24th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Berwyn, Brookfield, Cicero, Riverside, and Stickney and includes parts of the Chicago neighborhood of South Lawndale.[4][5] The district has been represented by Democrat Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez since January 10, 2007.[55] Hernandez faced a primary challenger from Robert Rafael Reyes, Vice President of Realty of Chicago, worked on Antonio Villaraigosa’s Mayoral Campaign in Los Angeles, and an alumnus of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute D.C.[56] After winning her primary, Hernandez would face no Republican challenger in the general election.
William Calloway, community leader, activist, and one of Laquan McDonald Video Revealers.[59]
Angelique Collins, small business owner, lobbyist, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority[60]
Adrienne Irmer, former Legislative Coordinator to the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management, a 2018 Emerging Leader with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and involved with several social causes for over 16 years.[61]
Anne Marie Miles, attorney and Aldermanic candidate for 5th Ward of Chicago in 2011 and 2015.[62]
Grace Chan McKibben, Development Director at Indo-American Center, former Chief of Staff at Illinois Department of Employment Security, and former Deputy Director at Chinese American Service League.[63]
Flynn Rush, Community Outreach Specialist for the Cook County Assessors Office, Employment Specialist for the Rebirth of Englewood Community Development Corporation, and Precinct Captain, Area Coordinator for various campaigns including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Harold Washington.[64]
The 28th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Blue Island, Calumet Park, Crestwood, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Riverdale, Robbins, and Tinley Park and parts of the Chicago neighborhoods of Morgan Park, Roseland, and West Pullman.[4][5] The district has been represented by Democrat Robert Rita since January 8, 2003.[73] Rita faced two challengers in his primary election. Mary Carvlin, teacher, Blue Island Library Board trustee for 6 years, and founder of Northeast Blue Island Resident Action Group (now a Rain Ready / CNT group) to solve flooding issues.[74] Kimberly Nicole Koschnitzky, a Connected Vehicle Specialist for General Motors.[75] As a result of the ongoing Me Too movement, Rita's past domestic battery case with a former girlfriend came back into the limelight, previously being at the center of his 2002 election to the seat, as his aforementioned former girlfriend sides with Rita's primary challenger Carvlin.[76] Carvlin would accuse fellow primary challenger Koschnitzky of being a 'ghost candidate' from Speaker Mike Madigan to split the vote between Carvlin and Koschnitzky to guarantee Rita won in the primary.[77] After winning his primary election, Rita would face no Republican challenger in the general election.
The 37th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Homer Glen, Joliet, Lockport, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, and Tinley Park.[4] The district has been represented by Republican Margo McDermed since January 14, 2015.[92] McDermed faced a Democratic challenger in the general election from Matthew Hunt, property and casualty insurance agent for his family's agency, Hunt Insurance Group, Board Member of the Illinois State Fire Marshall Elevator Safety Division, and Trustee of the Palos Heights Police Pension Board.[93]
David Bonner, former legal officer and administrative law attorney in the Department of the Army's Office of The Inspector General, at The Pentagon, former Illinois Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Trials and Prosecutions unit, and formerly worked on Barack Obama's Senate campaign.[96]
Debbie Meyers-Martin, former village president and trustee of Olympia Fields, president of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, and former member of several advisory boards, economic boards, and regulatory boards.[98]
Max Solomon, attorney, adjunct professor at South Suburban College, and former primary candidate for the 19th district in the Illinois Senate.[99]
After winning her primary, Meyers-Martin would face no Republican challenger in the general election.
The 41st district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Bolingbrook, Naperville, and Warrenville.[4] The district has been represented by Republican Grant Wehrli since January 14, 2015.[102] Val Montgomery was the democratic challenger in this election. Montgomery would later be found to be incorrectly listed by the DuPage County Election Commission as living in the 41st district, whereas her address placed her in the 49th district. DuPage County Judge Bonnie Wheaton as a result ruled that Montgomery could not be a candidate in the election and if elected could only be seated if she wins and the Illinois General Assembly decided to seat her. Despite this ruling, Montgomery did not withdraw from the race and remained on the ballot.[103]
The 42nd district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Carol Stream, Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.[4] The district had been represented by Republican Jeanne Ives since January 9, 2013.[104] Ives announced in October 2017 her intention to run for Governor and would not run for reelection to her seat.[105] The Republican primary for the 42nd district seat featured three candidates.
Burt Minor, former member of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, former alderman of Warrenville, Illinois, and a retired USAF Officer Lieutenant Colonel.[108]
Burt Minor would face controversy after the leak of a conversation he had with Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General Erika Harold. The conversation involved Burt Minor asking Erika Harold about her marriage status, asking if she was a "lesbo" and frequent use of the n-word in front of her and her assistant, asking whether Erika Harold found it offensive.[109]
Kathleen Carrier, family caregiver, precinct committeeman since 2003, and former chair of the Wayne Township Democratic Party was the sole Democratic nominee for the 42nd district.[110]
The 43rd district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Elgin, Hoffman Estates, and South Elgin.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Anna Moeller since her appointment in March 2014.[111] Moeller faced a Republican challenger in the general election from Andrew Cuming, propert management company owner, member of the Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association, and President of the Elgin Southwest Area Neighbors.[112]
The 45th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Addison, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Itasca, Roselle, Streamwood, Wayne, West Chicago, and Wood Dale.[4] The district had been represented by Republican Christine Winger since January 14, 2015.[116] Prior to the primary election, the Democratic nominee for the district was Cynthia Borbas, IT consultant, formerly volunteered at the Carol Stream Chamber of Commerce, and formerly volunteered at the Northern Illinois Food Bank.[117] At some unknown time, Borbas would withdraw from the race. Diane Pappas, attorney specializing in corporate counsel, former President of the Friends of the Itasca Community Library, and a Democratic Precinct Committeeman of Addison Township Precinct 23 would become the Democratic candidate for the general election.[118]
The 46th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, and Wheaton.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Deb Conroy since January 9, 2013.[119] The Republican primary saw two candidates seek the nomination for the general election. Gordon "Jay" Kinzler, doctor and surgeon, member of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board, and former commissioner of the Environmental Commission of the Village of Glen Ellyn.[120] Roger Orozco, police detective and former school board member of Community Consolidated School District 93.[121]
The 47th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Western Springs, Westmont, and Willowbrook.[4] The district had been represented by Republican Patti Bellock since January 13, 1999.[122] She had been the Deputy House Minority Leader since October 2013. On August 1, 2017, Bellock announced her intention to retire at the end of her term.[123]Deanne Mazzochi, lawyer, business owner, and former chairman of the College of DuPage Board of Trustees, was the Republican nominee for this election.[124] The Democratic primary featured two candidates. Jim Caffrey, former customer team manager for Clorox, a Democratic Precinct Committeeman, and served in the Peace Corps for 2 years. Anne Sommerkamp, prenatal educator, former journalist from 1980 to 1999, and former candidate for Downers Grove Township Clerk in 2017.[125][126] Caffrey would go on to win the primary election and become the Democratic nominee. Patti Bellock would resign from her State Representative seat to serve as Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Director. Candidate Mazzochi would then be appointed on July 16, 2018 to fill the vacancy.[127]
The 49th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Elgin, Geneva, Naperville, North Aurora, South Elgin, St. Charles, Warrenville, Wayne, and West Chicago.[4] The district had been represented by Republican Mike Fortner since January 10, 2007.[130] Fortner announced August 7, 2017 that he would not seek reelection.[131] The Republican primary featured two candidates. Tonia Jane Khouri, business owner, DuPage County board member, and chair of the DuPage County Economic Development Committee.[132] Nic Zito, CEO of Rev3 Innovation Center, member of the DuPage PADS Homelessness Awareness board of directors, and member of the International Business Innovation Association board of directors.[133] Khouri would go on to become the Republican nominee. The Democratic nominee for this election was Karina Villa, school social worker, member of the West Chicago District 33 Board of Education since 2013, and vice president of the West Chicago 33 Board of Education.[134]
Mary Edly-Allen, bilingual teacher, co-founder of Foundation 46, and board member of the Illinois Science Olympiad was the Democratic candidate for the general election.[141]
The 53rd district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights, and Wheeling.[4] The district had been represented by Republican David Harris since January 12, 2011, previously serving the Illinois State House from January 12, 1983 to January 13, 1993.[145] Harris announced on October 4, 2017 that he would be retiring from the Illinois House, citing his frustrations with the Illinois Budget Impasse as he was one of the few Republicans who voted to overturn Governor Bruce Rauner's veto.[146] The Republican primary featured two candidates. Eddie Corrigan, outreach coordinator and cancer research and awareness advocate.[147] Katie Miller, registered nurse, religious education teacher, and a former basketball coach.[148] Corrigan would become the Republican nominee. The Democratic nominee for this election was Mark Walker, experienced in business and entrepreneurship for 35 years, treasurer of the Journeys organization, and member of the Arlington Heights Park Foundation Board. He previously served as State Representative from 2009–2011 in the 66th district.[149]
The 56th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, and Schaumburg.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Michelle Mussman since January 12, 2011.[154] The Republican primary for this election featured two candidates. Jillian Rose Bernas, international relations manager, a Schaumburg Township District Library Trustee, and Township of Schaumburg Mental Health Committee Member.[155] Char Kegarise, branch officer manager and member of the Schaumburg District 54 School Board.[156] Bernas would go on to become the Republican nominee for the general election.
The 58th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Bannockburn, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Knollwood, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, North Chicago, Northbrook, and Riverwoods.[4] The district had been represented by Democrat Scott Drury since January 9, 2013.[161] Drury attempted to run for Governor of Illinois, but opted to run for Illinois Attorney General after the retirement of Lisa Madigan, leaving the 58th district seat open.[162] The Democratic nominee for this election was Bob Morgan, former lead healthcare attorney for Illinois, board member of the Anti-Defamation League, and serves as a trustee for Equip for Equality.[163] Cindy Masover was slated to be the Republican nominee for the general election until she decided to leave the race for personal reasons. Rick Lesser, small business owner and estate planning attorney, former member of the Lake Bluff Village Board of Trustees, and former president of the Lake County Bar Association, became the Republican nominee on July 26, 2018 for the general election.[164][165]
The 59th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Buffalo Grove, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Indian Creek, Knollwood, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mettawa, Mundelein, North Chicago, Northbrook, Park City, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, and Wheeling.[4] The district had been represented by Democrat Carol Sente since her appointment in September 2009.[166] Sente announced on September 12, 2017 that she would not seek reelection.[167] The Democratic primary featured two candidates. Daniel Didech, municipal attorney and supervisor of the Vernon Township.[168] Susan Malter, attorney, founding member of the Chicago Legal Responders Network, and an active member of the Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG).[169] Didech would go on to become the Democratic nominee for the general election. The Republican primary featured two candidates. Karen Feldman, residential realtor and Village Trustee of Lincolnshire from 2001–2018.[170] Marko Sukovic, business owner, former political director for Congressman Robert Dold, and outreach director for Turning Point USA.[171] Feldman would go on to become the Republican nominee for the general election.
The 60th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Beach Park, Gurnee, North Chicago, Park City, and Waukegan.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Rita Mayfield since her appointment in July 2010.[172] Mayfield faced neither any challengers in her primary nor any Republican challenger in the general election.
The 65th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Batavia, Burlington, Campton Hills, Elgin, Geneva, Gilberts, Hampshire, Huntley, Pingree Grove, South Elgin, St. Charles, and Wayne.[4] The district had been represented by Republican Steven Andersson since January 14, 2015.[183] Andersson announced on August 16, 2017 he would not seek reelection to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2018 during an appearance on Chicago Tonight. Andersson was one of the few Republicans during the Illinois Budget Impasse to vote to overturn Governor Bruce Rauner's veto.[184] The Republican nominee for this election was Dan Ugaste, attorney, former member of the Illinois Workers Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board, and the Technical Advisor to Governor's Office on Workers Comp Reform.[185] The Democratic nominee for this election was Richard Johnson, law and psychology teacher at Bartlett High School and President of the Elgin Teachers Association.[186][187]
The 67th district covers a large part of Rockford.[4] The district had been represented by Democrat Litesa Wallace since her appointment in July 2014.[189] Wallace would become Daniel Biss' running mate for seeking the Democratic nomination in the gubernatorial election, leaving her seat open. The Democratic primary for this election featured four candidates.
Gerald O. Albert, self-employed, former candidate for several town, township, and county positions, and involved in several campaigns for elected officials in Rockford.[190]
Valerie DeCastris, community volunteer activist, worked as a research associate for the Illinois General Assembly, and founder of the Rockford Ethnic Village Neighborhood Association.[191]
The 68th district covers parts of Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, and Roscoe.[4] The district has been represented by Republican John Cabello since his appointment in August 2012.[194] The Democratic nominee for this election was Jake Castanza, the executive director of Project First Rate.[195]
The 72nd district, located in the Quad Cities area, covers all or parts of Andalusia, Coyne Center, Milan, Moline, Oak Grove, Reynolds, Rock Island, and Rock Island Arsenal.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Michael Halpin since January 10, 2017.[206] The Republican nominee for this election was Glen Evans, Sr., former state house primary candidate for the Democratic Party in 2012 and 2016 and former candidate for multiple county and municipal positions.[207]
The 81st district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Bolingbrook, Darien, Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, Westmont, and Woodridge.[4] The district had been represented by Republican David S. Olsen since his appointment on August 3, 2016.[222] The Democratic nominee for this election was Anne Stava-Murray, former consumer researcher, member of the Naperville Board of Fire & Police, and a former student non-voting member of the Naperville Board of Zoning Appeals from 2002–2004.[223]
Durkin is being challenged by Burr Ridge Mayor Mickey Straub. Straub is being backed by radio host and political operative Dan Proft. While Michael Madigan was challenged by Jason Gonzalez in 2016, it is rare that one of the "four tops" is challenged, let alone in a primary election.[224] On October 26, 2017, Durkin was endorsed by a number of Republican mayors from DuPage County.[225] Durkin would go on to become the Republican nominee for the general election.
The 83rd district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes parts of Aurora, Montgomery, and North Aurora.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Linda Chapa LaVia since January 8, 2003.[227] LaVia faced neither any challengers in her primary nor any Republican challenger in the general election.
The 84th district, located in the Chicagoland area, covers parts of Aurora, Boulder Hill, Montgomery, Naperville, and Oswego.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Stephanie Kifowit since January 9, 2013.[228] The Republican nominee for this election was Patty Smith, an ABA certified paralegal at Prairie State Legal Services, chairwoman of the Western Suburb National Association for Down Syndrome, and board member and parent advocate for Gigi's Playhouse Fox Valley.[229]
The 85th district, located in the Chicagoland area, covers parts of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Fairmont, Lemont, Lockport, Naperville, Romeoville, and Woodridge.[4] The district had been represented by Democrat Emily McAsey since January 14, 2009.[230] McAsey resigned from her seat on June 2, 2017 to, according to the Daily Southtown, "join her husband who accepted a job out of state."[231]John Connor, a prosecutor for Will County for 14 years, was named to fill the seat in June 2017.[232] The Republican nominee for this election was originally slated to be Lisa Bickus, but she would later withdraw from the race at an unknown date.
The 98th district, located in the Chicagoland area, includes all or parts of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Crystal Lawns, Joliet, Romeoville, and Shorewood.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Natalie Manley since January 9, 2013.[261] The Republican challenger in the general election was Alyssia Benford, accountant, President of the Rotary Club of Bolingbrook, and serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Will County.[262]
The 103rd district covers the heart of the Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area, including most of Champaign and Urbana.[4] The district has been represented by Democrat Carol Ammons since January 14, 2015.[277] Ammons faced neither any Democratic challenger in her primary nor any Republican challenger in the general election.
The 111th district, located in the Metro East, includes all or parts of Alton, Bethalto, East Alton, Edwardsville, Elsah, Godfrey, Granite City, Hartford, Holiday Shores, Madison, Pontoon Beach, Rosewood Heights, Roxana, South Roxana, and Wood River.[4] The district had been represented by Democrat Dan Beiser since his appointment in 2004.[299] According to Illinois Election Data, the 111th district was the 4th most Republican district represented by a Democrat during the election.[47] Beiser announced his retirement from the Illinois House of Representatives on August 30, 2017.[300]Monica Bristow, President of the RiverBend Growth Association, was sworn in on December 19, 2017 as his replacement.[301] She would go on to be the Democratic candidate for the general election. The Republican challenger in this election was the Wood River Township Supervisor Mike Babcock, who has previously run for the 111th district in the past.[302]
^Miller, David R., ed. (November 15, 2012). "Biographies of New House Members"(PDF). First Reading. Illinois Legislative Research Unit. p. 3. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
