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Illinois Democrats Sweep Statewide Ballot

Kwame Raoul in his victory speech after winning the race for attorney general on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
CLTV screenshot
Kwame Raoul in his victory speech after winning the race for attorney general on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Democrats dominated in Illinois Tuesday night — easily taking all statewide races on the ballot.  

Listen to the story.

The seats for governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer – all were swept up by the so-called blue wave. 

Also among the winners was Susana Mendoza who​ won a reelection bid as state comptroller against Republican opponent Darlene Senger.

Mendoza said she’s glad to be part of what she calls a “dream team” with governor-elect J.B. Pritzker. 

“It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to get to serve the wonderful people of this great state of Illinois by managing our state through the worst fiscal crisis in its history," she said.

But Mendoza is rumored to also be considering a run for Chicago mayor.  In her victory speech, she avoided saying anything about seeking that office.  Earlier, Mendoza said she’d commit to a full term as comptroller if Bruce Rauner was reelected, to remain as a check on the Republican governor. 

Kwame Raoul also took part in the Democratic victory, easily defeating Republican opponent Erika Harold in the race for attorney general. In his victory speech, Raoul evoked his father,  a physician who died from cancer.

“He believed in healthcare as a human right. And Republican attorney generals (sic) right now are trying to take that away—and you better believe I’m going to live out my father’s legacy and fight for access to health care," he said.

Raoul becomes the first new attorney general in 16 years after Lisa Madigan decided not to run for reelection.

Secretary of State Jesse White and Treasurer Mike Frerichs also won their reelections. 

Copyright 2018 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Daisy reports on various assignments for NPR Illinois. She graduated from the Public Affairs Reporting master’s degree program at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she spent time covering the legislative session for NPR Illinois' Illinois Issues. Daisy interned then researched for the Chicago Reporter. She obtained an associate degree in French language from Harry S Truman College and a bachelor's degree in communications from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before coming to Springfield, Daisy worked in communication roles for several Chicago non-profits. Daisy is from Chicago where she attended Lane Tech High School.
Daisy Contreras
Daisy reports on statehouse issues for our Illinois Issues project. She's currently a Public Affairs Reporting graduate program student at the University of Illinois Springfield. She graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with an associates degrees from Truman College. Daisy is from Chicago where she attended Lane Tech High School.