Democrats Hold U.S. Senate Seat, All Competitive Congressional Seats
Congressman Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) greets supporters Tuesday night. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
As insiders on both sides scrambled in the final days of the election cycle, key operatives and candidates in either party believed the environment was improving for Republicans and as many as five contested House races could all go for the GOP.
The GOP lost all five.
As of 4:30 a.m., Congressman Sean Casten (D-Downers Grove) leads Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau 54%-46% in the 6th District. Congressman Bill Foster (D-Naperville) defeated Republican Catalina Lauf, leading 56%-44%. Democrat Nikki Budzinski flipped the new 13th District, defeating Republican Regan Deering. Budzkinski led 55%-45%. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) defeated Republican Kendall County Board Chairman Scott Gryder. She led 54%-46% with 79% of precincts reporting.
The AP has called races for Casten, Foster, Budzinski, and Underwood. The AP has not called the 17th district race, though Democrat Eric Sorensen is claiming victory.
With 86% of precincts reporting, Sorensen leads Republican Esther Joy King 52%-48%. Around 7,500 votes separate the two.
Senator Tammy Duckworth won re-election to the United States Senate, defeating Republican Kathy Salvi. With 95% of precincts reporting, Duckworth led Salvi 56%-42%. The AP called the race for Duckworth shortly after 7:00p.m.
