Durkin Out as GOP House Leader, Republicans Hammered Across the State
After losing nearly every competitive House race Tuesday night, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) announced Wednesday morning he won’t seek another term leading the caucus.
In a 7am e-mail to House Republicans, House GOP Leader Jim Durkin announced he won’t seek another term leading the caucus, which was dealt heavy blows Tuesday night.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Leader of the House Republican caucus, but 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. With that, I will not be seeking re-election as minority leader. I am proud of the work the House Republican caucus has accomplished under my tenure, and thank everyone who played a part along the way. I began this journey as a voice of moderation and conclude this journey the same way I started, a voice of moderation.
To the people of Illinois disappointed with these results, don't give up hope. Tomorrow is a new day.
Incumbent Republicans Rep. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) and Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) both lost their seats. Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) leads by just 164 votes, and numerous Republicans we spoke to early Wednesday believe she will fall behind as late-arriving mail-in ballots are counted.
Republican Jennifer Sanalitro leads in the new 48th District, which stretches from Wood Dale to Carol Stream in northern DuPage County. Democrats won three other newly-drawn districts. Republicans will also lose the seat being vacated by Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield).
The only incumbent Democrat who appears to be losing their seat is Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis), who trails Kevin Schmidt by around 6,000 votes with 66% reporting. Greenwood was not considered to be a “tier one” target.
Supreme Court
Republicans are losing both competitive Supreme Court races. Lake County Judge Elizabeth Rochford defeated former Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran 54%-46%. With 92% of precincts reporting, Republican incumbent Justice Michael Burke trails Appellate Justice Mary K. O’Brien by around 8,000 votes, 51%-49%.
Senate
Senate Republicans had the only shred of success Tuesday. Republican Erica Conway Harriss defeated appointed Democrat Kris Tharp, leading 51%-49% in the Metro East district. Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) also picked up an open suburban seat, defeating Laurie Nowak 52%-48%.
Plainfield Police Office Patrick Sheehan leads embattled Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort) by just 68 votes (with 99% reporting), though late arriving mail-in ballots are expected to break toward Hastings.
In the $6 million 48th Senate District from Springfield to Decatur, appointed Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) defeated Rep. Sandy Hamilton (R-Springfield) by around 1,300 votes. That was a blow for the GOP.
