North Cook News

Park Ridge resident Mike Lupo (R) conceded his State House race to represent the 55th District against incumbent Rep. Martin Moylan (D).

"We hoped for better results tonight, but I can’t thank everyone enough for dedicating their time to help my campaign," Lupo posted on Facebook. "I am proud of the campaign we ran advocating for the families of the 55th District who want lower taxes, higher educational standards, and safe communities. I congratulate Rep. Moylan on his win and wish him success as the area’s state representative." 

With 98% of the vote counted, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Moylan's 16,071 votes, or 54.3% bested Lupo's 13,511 votes, or 45.7% of the vote. The 55th House district lies entirely within Cook County and encompasses the Northwest Suburbs.

Moylan has served in the State House since 2013, and he chairs the Transportation: Regulation, Roads & Bridges Committee. The incumbent Democrat also sits on the Cities and Villages Committee, Labor and Commerce Committee, Police and Fire Committee, and Public Utilities Committee. 

Despite the absence of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, the Democrats kept their super majorities in both houses of the general assembly.

"We know that when we fight, we win — and tonight, that couldn’t be more true," House Speaker Emanuel Welch (D-Westchester) said on election night, according to the Chicago Tribune. "House Democrats have fought tirelessly for working families and have secured important legislative wins to protect reproductive rights, rebuild our infrastructure, fund critical public safety initiatives, and so much more." 

"The people have spoken," said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). "Now it’s time to get to work governing." 

On the heels of Republican losses across the state, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) announced he would not seek another term as leader: "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." 

Republicans went into the election with high hopes; however only 78 of the 118 House seats were contested, and in the Senate only 25 of 59 seats were contested. Republicans made modest gains in the state Senate, but it was still a disappointing night for them.