Harriss claims win over incumbent Tharp in Illinois State Senate race

The Associated Press has not called the races for state senators in the metro-east but complete, unofficial results show Republican challenger Erica Conway Harriss leading Democratic incumbent Sen. Kris Tharp in the State Senate District 56 race.

Harriss has claimed the victory.

The AP on Wednesday afternoon reported Harriss was leading Tharp by nearly 2,000 votes with an estimated 94% of the votes counted.

Harriss had 37,192 votes and Tharp had 35,228 votes in 165 precincts in Madison and St. Clair counties, according to election results reviewed by the Belleville News-Democrat. In 130 precincts in Madison County, Harriss had 31,441 votes and Tharp had 28,811 while in 35 precincts in St. Clair County, Harriss had 5,751 votes to Tharp’s 6,417.

“I am honored to have been elected to represent our community in the Illinois State Senate,” she said in a statement on Facebook. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our democracy tonight. I will do everything I can to support policies that empower the people over politicians and make Illnois a better place to work, live and raise a family.”

Harriss, of Glen Carbon, could not be reached for additional comment beyond the prepared statement she released.

Tharp, of Wood River, was appointed to fill the Senate seat vacated by Rachelle Aud Crowe, who was appointed to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. He could not be reached be reached for comment.

In the State Senate District 57 race, Democratic incumbent Sen. Chris Belt of Swansea was leading Republican challenger Wavey Lester of Millstadt by nearly 7,000 votes with an estimated 70% of the votes counted, according the AP on Wednesday afternoon.

All results are unofficial until certified by election authorities. Local election officials have until Nov. 29 to send their election results to the Illinois State Board of Elections, which is scheduled to certify the official results on Dec. 5.

Estimated vote percentage: An Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 7:30 PM.