Illinois Valley Times

Illinois GOP Chairman Don Tracy said LaSalle County was a bright spot in the state for Republicans on Nov. 8.

Tracy highlighted the wins in LaSalle County in his weekly memo.

“Another bright spot in Illinois was LaSalle County, as they also had a great election night,” Tracy said. “In the past few years, LaSalle County Republicans increased their number of Precinct Committeemen from 35 to 89. The voters of LaSalle County also removed a liberal County Clerk and elected Republican Jennifer Ebner. Additionally, LaSalle County Republicans defeated a longtime liberal judge and also increased the number of Republican county board members, thus securing the county board majority. Special thanks to LaSalle County Chairman Larry Smith for sharing.”

Republican newcomer Jennifer Ebner defeated Democratic incumbent Lori Bongartz in Peru, Shaw Local reported.

“I want to thank all the people that helped me with this race, all the people that voted for me, and thank God for this opportunity,” Ebner said in a Nov. 8 statement, quoted by Shaw Local.

Shaw Local also reported that In the Circuit Court 13th Judicial District race, Grundy County State’s Attorney Jason A. Helland beat incumbent Christina M. Cantlin, a Democratic appointee. The seat covers La Salle, Bureau and Grundy counties.

But he bright spot that LaSalle County had was insufficient to fully light up the Republican caucus. In the first general election without former House Speaker Michael Madigan, Democrats held onto their supermajorities in both houses of the General Assembly, the Chicago Tribune reported. The GOP went into the election with high hopes, but only 78 of the 118 House seats were contested, and only 25 of 59 Senate seats were challenged. Republicans made modest gains in the State Senate, but it was still a disappointing night for them as the Democrats still hold a supermajority in Springfield.

Illinois House GOP Minority Leader Jim Durkin resigned from leadership after the election, the West Cook News said.

"While I am not pleased with the results, I will accept them," he said in a statement, quoted by the News. "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."

Durkin's resignation comes as incumbent Republicans Reps. Chris Bos (R-Lake Zurich) and Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego) both lost their seats. During the primary, Durkin was criticized for opposing conservative reform candidates. The failure of Richard Irvin, who Durkin backed in the primary for governor, caused many to doubt Durkin's leadership.