Republicans claim victory in 2 southwestern Illinois state House races
Republican nominees took the lead against Democratic incumbents in two southwestern Illinois state House of Representatives races, according to unofficial election results.
In the 116th District, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Nathan Reitz of Steeleville faces David Friess, a Republican from Red Bud. Reitz was behind by nearly 30 points at 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, according to Associated Press results.
In the 111th District, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Monica Bristow of Alton faces Republican Amy Elik of Fosterburg. As of 11:45 p.m., Bristow was behind by nine points.
While the Associated Press had named Friess as the presumptive winner, the election tracker had not yet called the 111th for Elik at 11:45 p.m.
Both Elik and Friess claimed victory Tuesday night and thanked their opponents.
“When I launched my campaign, I said I’m running to represent the forgotten voices of people looking for more favorable policies toward the middle class. Tonight, I’m proud to say those voices were heard loud and clear,” Elik said.
Bristow could not immediately be reached for comment.
Friess said the people of the 116th “are ready to end the cycle of corruption and tax increases in Springfield.”
“I owe this victory to the hard work and dedication of our supporters, and I will not let you down on pushing for ethics reform, holding the line on taxes, and ending reckless spending,” Friess said.
Reitz said he called his opponent to congratulate him.
“I was honored to serve the residents of the 116th District,” Reitz said.
In 2018, Jerry Costello II won in the 116th with 53.5% of the vote against Friess’ 46.5%. Reitz succeeded Costello after he accepted a job directing a state agency, and Republicans believe it’ll be a challenge for the appointed incumbent to keep his seat. As for Bristow, she only defeated the Republican nominee by one percentage point in 2018. Both districts favored President Donald Trump in 2016.
Republican candidates attempted to connect the Democrats to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Friess and Elik say metro-east voters grew weary of Chicago money influencing their representatives. Democratic voter dissatisfaction may have peaked this year, House GOP leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs says, after Madigan was linked to a bribery scheme involving the largest electric utility in Illinois.
In the 112th District, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Katie Stuart faces Republican Lisa Ciampoli, a former Madison County board member. Stuart was leading Ciampoli by more than 4,000 votes as of 11:50 p.m. Tuesday.
Election authorities will continue counting outstanding vote-by-mail ballots as they arrive until Nov. 17, and state officials will certify official results on Dec. 4.
107th House District
89% of precincts reporting as of 11:40 p.m.
Blaine Wilhour, (incumbent) Republican: 77.1%
David Seiler, Democrat: 22.9%
108th House District
66% of precincts reporting as of 11:40 p.m.
Charles E. Meier, (incumbent) Republican: 71.2%
Kacie Weicherding, Democrat: 28.8%
113th District
95% of precincts reporting as of 11:40 p.m.
Jay Hoffman (incumbent) Democrat: 75.1%
Ryan Musick, Constitution: 11.7%
Mark Elmore, Libertarian: 13.2%
114th House District
71% precincts reporting as of 11:40 p.m.
LaToya Greenwood, (incumbent) Democrat: 48.9%
Dave Barnes, Republican: 51.1%
115th House District
98% of precincts reporting as of 11:40 p.m.
Paul Jacobs, Republican: 83.1%
Ian Peak, Libertarian: 8.1%
Randy Auxier, Green: 8.8%
This story was originally published November 3, 2020 at 7:25 PM.
