Some Illinois primary races, among them two closely watched Congressional races, were not resolved on election night.
Democratic challenger Marie Newman very narrowly lost her run for U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski's, D-Chicago, 3rd District post. Newman conceded the day after the election, after tallies indicated that Lipinski had about 51 percent to Newman's 49 percent of the vote.
Newman waged an aggressive challenge to the longtime Congressman, attacking him not just for his socially conservative political views ( Lipinski is an opponent of both LGBT and reproductive rights ) but his overall effectiveness as well, arguing that Lipinski was not deserving of the credit long ascribed to him for his district's economic activity.
In a March 21 statement, Newman said, "For the first time in his career, Dan Lipinski had to work hard to win re-election—and it was because of us. I hope that makes him a better representative for the Third District. Throughout the last few months, we saw his positions evolve on issues like on healthcare, a path to citizenship, and the need for a fair minimum wage. I sincerely hope that change of heart sticks. And if it doesn't, he'll have to defend his record again in two years."
Meanwhile, scientist and businessman Sean Casten emerged as the victor in the crowded 6th District Democratic primary, which means he'll challenge incumbent Peter Roskam, R-West Chicago, in the November general election. On March 20, one of Casten's several opponents, Kelly Mazeski, initially appeared to be winning the race, but polling place tallies were being completed slowly throughout the district due to equipment issues.
The following day, Mazeski issued a statement calling for her supporters to rally around Casten.
"Many thanks to my incredible staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to support my race for Congress," she said. "It was a privilege to not only work with each and every one of you, but to also earn your support and trust. To the thousands of voters who supported me—thank you for believing in my ability to take on Congressman Roskam and hold him accountable for the issues that matter most to the members of our district. We must stay strong in our efforts to flip his seat and I ask all of my amazing supporters to unite around Sean Casten so we can beat Roskam in November."
Roskam, like Lipinski, has a strong anti-LGBT voting record.
As of March 26, a determination of who'd won the spot to challenge the Cook County board commissioner for the 15th District, Republican Tim Schneider, had yet to be determined. Democrat Kevin Morrison, who is openly gay, was most recently just 10 votes ahead of opponent Ravi Raju, according to Cook County Board of Elections data.
