The 2022 midterm elections solidified Illinois as a solidly blue state with Democrats winning big up and down the ticket. Democrats benefited from a huge fundraising advantage as well as the newly drawn congressional and legislative districts which were crafted under their control.
Democrats easily swept all statewide offices winning by double digit margins in every race. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth won re-election and Governor JB Pritzker, along wit Lt Governor Juliana Stratton, won a second term. Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Treasurer Michael Frehrichs all won reelection. Democrat Alexi Giannoulias will replace long-standing Secretary of State Jesse White who did not seek reelection.
At the Congressional level, Democrats picked up one seat increasing their majority to 14D – 3 R. Democrats also maintained their majority on the Illinois Supreme Court with Democrats winning both of the contested Supreme Court races increasing their majority to 5D-2R.
Democrats maintained their supermajority status in the Illinois General Assembly. While some races remain too close to call, the House Democrats are expected to increase their supermajority to an unprecedented 77D-41R when all votes are counted. While Senate Democrats are projected to lose one or two incumbents, they will still hold a 39D – 20R supermajority.
Following last night’s losses, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin announced this morning that he will not seek another term as House Republican Leader. In his statement Durkin said “It’s time for the Illinois Republican Party to rebuild with new leaders who can bring independents back to the party that are needed to bring change to the state.”
Some races remain too close to call and the outcome of some races may change as Early Voting and Vote by Mail ballots are counted over the course of the next two weeks.
Constitutional officers will be sworn into office on Monday, January 9th. The 103re General Assembly will be sworn into office on Wednesday, January 11th.
Constitutional Amendment:
The fate of a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution remains too close to call. Approval of the measure requires 3/5ths vote on the question or a majority of those voting in the election.
Illinois Voters were asked to vote on an amendment to the Illinois constitution which would guarantee workers have the “fundamental right to organize and to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing for the purpose of negotiating wages, hours, and working conditions, and to protect their economic welfare and safety at work”. The Chicago Tribune covers the support and opposition for the amendment here.
Statewide Races:
Democrats won all statewide races.
Supreme Court:
There were two contested elections for seats on the Supreme Court. Democrats prevailed in both races.
District
Congress:
Illinois lost one Congressional seat following the decennial census. Despite the loss of a seat, Democrats increased their majority to 14-3.
Congressman Sean Casten (D) survived a strong challenge from Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau (R). In the 13th Congressional District, Nikki Budzinski (D), a former aid to Governor JB Pritzker, defeated Regan Derring (R) in this newly drawn district. In the 17th Congressional District, Eric Sorenson (D) defeated Esther Joy King (R) to replace Congresswoman Cherri Bustos won did not seek reelection.
Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia easily won reelection. It is widely speculated that he will announce his candidacy for Chicago Mayor in the coming days.
Illinois Senate:
Although Democrats may lose at most two seats, they are still expected to maintain their supermajority status with 39D – 20 R. Republican Erica Harriss defeated appointed Senator Kris Tharp in the seat formally held by Rachelle Crowe. Currently, Republican Patrick Sheehan holds a 68 vote lead over Senator Michael Hastings (D).
Appointed Senator Doris Turner (D) defeated a strong challenge from appointed Representative Sandy Hamilton (R).
Illinois House:
This is the first election cycle under newly elected House Speaker Chris Welch. Despite losing one incumbent, House Democrats appear to have picked up 4 seats increasing their supermajority to 77D – 41R.
In the night’s biggest upset, Republican Kevin Schmidt defeated Representative LaToya Greenwood in this East St. Louis district. Republican incumbents Chris Bos and Keith Wheeler both lost. Republican Representative Deanne Mazzochi currently leads her opponent by 200 votes.
Democrats picked up three open seats. Democrat Mary Beth Canty defeated Michele Hunter (R) to replace retiring Representative Tom Morrison (R). Democrat Sharon Chung defeated Republican Scott Preston. Harry Benton defeated Republican Michelle Smith (R) to replace Representative Mark Batinick who did not seek reelection.
For a listing of each race, please click here. Note the winners are highlighted in yellow.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.