Chicago Woman Likely New Western Springs State Representative

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Shantel Franklin won Tuesday's Democratic primary for House District 8, which includes much of La Grange and the eastern half of Western Springs.

Franklin, a Chicago resident, drew 49 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results. She was followed by Jill Bush with 21 percent, Latonya Mitts with 19 percent and John Harrell with 11 percent.

They were vying to succeed state Rep. La Shawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat, in District 8, which includes La Grange. On Tuesday, Ford prevailed in the Democratic primary in the 7th Congressional District.

No one ran in the Republican primary for District 8 representative. District 8 is considered Democratic turf.

In February, La Grange Village President Mark Kuchler endorsed Franklin.

At the time, Franklin also announced endorsements from Hodgkins Village President Ernie Millsap and Countryside Mayor Sean McDermott.

Franklin has worked in the state attorney general's office for six years.

In the office, Franklin has worked on issues such as consumer protection, public safety, environmental protection and access to services for crime victims, according to her news release.

She is a lifelong resident of Chicago's West Side and calls herself a housing advocate.

As for endorsements, Kuchler also backed Brendan Reilly, a downtown Chicago alderman, for Cook County Board President. Reilly criticized the performance of his opponent, longtime board President Toni Preckwinkle.

Preckwinkle defeated Reilly with nearly two-thirds of the vote.

No candidate ran in the GOP primary for board president.