North Cook News

Katie Miller fought long and hard, but was beaten by Eddie Corrigan by 23.74 percent of the total votes in Tuesday's primary election.

Speaking to the North Cook News after finding out that Corrigan had 5,5447 votes and she gained only 3,419, it was obvious Miller was saddened.

“I am disappointed in the results,” Miller said of the race to fill the seat of retiring state Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights).

Republican Katie Miller, candidate for Illinois' 53rd District House seat

But there is a silver lining, according to the candidate who sought the 53rd District seat, which covers Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights. Since the fall of 2017, she has campaigned on many controversial issues such as House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), the legalization of marijuana, property taxes, outmigration and one-party control.

“I am very grateful for everyone who helped me out,” Miller said. “I had a lot of people that really went out of their way to help me, so I am really grateful for that.”

As for the future, Miller said politics are not part of the plan as far as she can see.

“I was never planning to run for office to start with, so I don’t know if I would ever run again,” Miller said.

There are lessons to be learned, according to the longtime nurse at Alexian Brothers Epilepsy Clinic in Hoffman Estates and case manager at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, who said she saw negative campaigning even from her own party.  

“It’s disappointing how Republicans attack other Republicans and tell lies, and that’s what wins the day,” Miller said.

Miller said she will take something positive from the campaign no matter what.

“I met so many great people that were just so kind,” Miller said of the friends she hopes to keep since the run she gave her heart and soul to every step of the way.