Longtime State Senator Jones Declares Victory In 14th District Primary

With all precincts counted late Tuesday night, longtime State Sen. Emil Jones III appears poised to win the Democratic nomination for the 14th Senate District, according to unofficial vote totals.

For the first time in nearly two decades, Jones saw challengers in a primary. First elected in 2009, Jones represents the 14th Senate District, which stretches from Roseland on Chicago's South Side to include all or parts of Alsip, Blue Island, Calumet Park, Chicago, Crestwood, Dixmoor, Dolton, Harvey, Homer Glen, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Posen, Riverdale, Robbins and Tinley Park.

Ahmed Karrar and Kenny Williams battled to unseat Jones in the March 17 Democratic primary.

The winner will face Brian Skala—the sole Republican candidate on the March 17 ballot—in November.

In a statement declaring victory Tuesday, Jones said he was "humbly grateful" for voters' support, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

“I’m really grateful to, you know, be able to, be in office for this long and not have an opponent but it was time for me to learn the other part of my job, you know, running in an election,” Jones said Tuesday night, as reported by the Tribune. “I ran on my record, and it’s showing to be proven that my record is strong.”

With polls closed, here's a look at unofficial vote tallies as of 10:15 p.m.

As of 10:11 p.m.

• Emil Jones III:
  • Cook: 6,650 (97 of 97 precincts reporting)
  • Will: 60
• Ahmed Karrar:
  • Cook: 3,511
  • Will: 69
• Kenny Williams:
  • Cook: 2,138
  • Will: 33