Democrat Michele Clark of Algonquin held a substantial lead over Republican Danielle Penman Tuesday night in the race for Illinois' 33rd Senate District, as voters chose a successor to retiring Republican state Sen. Don DeWitte.
With an estimated 59 percent of votes counted, Clark had received 31,663 votes, or 63.6 percent, compared with Penman's 18,106 votes, or 36.4 percent, according to unofficial results reported by the Associated Press.
The race for the open seat drew two first-time candidates seeking to represent portions of Kane and McHenry counties. DeWitte, who has represented the district since 2018, did not seek another term.
Clark, 53, of Algonquin, is a former small business owner and nonprofit leader who serves as director of development for the Community Unit School District 300 Food Pantry. She supported increasing state funding for public schools, exploring alternative revenue sources to reduce reliance on property taxes and expanding eligibility for senior property tax freezes.
"Affordability is at the forefront of everyone's mind," Clark said in a questionnaire published by the Daily Herald. "I know that the cost of living is too high and that families are getting squeezed in every direction with grocery bills, child care prices, and property taxes."
Penman, 49, of St. Charles, is a labor and delivery nurse with more than 26 years of healthcare experience. During her campaign, she advocated increasing homeowner property tax exemptions, reducing government spending and reconsidering unfunded state mandates that contribute to higher local property taxes.
Both candidates also addressed rising energy costs and proposed data center developments. Penman emphasized maintaining reliable electricity generation and protecting residents from infrastructure expenses, while Clark called for consideration of environmental impacts, water consumption and utility costs.
On immigration, Penman supported federal enforcement of immigration laws while emphasizing respect for individual dignity. Clark criticized federal immigration enforcement actions that she said have harmed families and communities.
Both candidates opposed using taxpayer money to directly finance construction of a new Chicago Bears stadium.
More information on Clark is available in her Daily Herald questionnaire.
Election results remain unofficial until certified by election authorities. This story will be updated as additional results become available.
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