Caffrey Wins Democratic Nomination For District 47

Democrat Jim Caffrey has won the nomination for State House District 47, defeating opponent Anne Sommerkamp. Caffrey received 5,901 votes, while Sommerkamp received 5,079 votes. Caffrey will face off against Republican Deanne Mazzochi in November.

The 47th District is currently served by State Rep. and Republican Patti Bellock, who announced she would not seek re-election. Patch reported last year when Bellock announced she would not seek an 11th term.

The 47th district includes parts of Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Westmont, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Western Springs.

If you'd like to check out the results of other races, you can reach about it on Patch.

Illinois 47th District Democratic Primary Results

With 120 of 120 precincts reporting (projected winner)

• James "Jim" Caffrey: 5,901 votes
• Anne Sommerkamp: 5,079 votes

Caffrey is a resident of Elmhurst and has served as a Clorox account manager, Peace Corps volunteer and national political organizer. Patch reported when Caffrey announced his candidacy and he said at the time, "The state is struggling to fund basic services and it's not uncommon to hear frustrated neighbors talk about moving out of state. We need our spirit back. We need to believe that our elected leaders can get the job done."

According to his website, Caffrey said his priorities will be to pay the billions in overdue bills and resolve the state's pension crisis.

Sommerkamp is a resident of Downers Grove and previously worked at CNN and several other news organizations. Patch reported when Sommerkamp announced her candidacy, and she said at the time, ""If elected, I will ask the hard questions other politicians won't. By getting facts out, citizens can make up their minds so Illinois and the 47th can move forward."

According to her website, Sommerkamp believes healthcare is a right, education should be affordable and accessible, in funding sustainable energy and LGBTQ people should have the same rights as everyone else.

Illinois 47th District Republican Primary

• Deanne Marie Mazzochi

Mazzochi will run unopposed in the Republican primary. Mazzochi is a resident of Elmhurst and has a law degree from George Washington University. According to her website, Mazzochi was first elected to political office as part of the College of DuPage Board of Trustees reform team.

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