Batinick Defeats Dunn to Take 97th District Seat

Republican Mark Batinick emerged as the winner in the race for the 97th District State Representative seat Tuesday, taking more than 56 percent of the vote in Will and Kendall counties against Democrat Moira Dunn.

Batinick, a commercial real estate broker, announced his victory via social media Tuesday night.

“Looking forward to serving you in Springfield,” Batinick said.

It was a sometimes heated race between Batinick and Dunn, who both sought the seat currently held by State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego).

Dunn, a Will County assistant state’s attorney and former judicial candidate, entered the race in June after fellow Democrat Dennis Grosskopf withdrew.

The 97th District includes all or parts of Oswego, Plainfield and Shorewood.

All election results are unofficial until they are canvassed and confirmed 7 to 14 days after the election. Absentee ballots and such will be counted after election day, and City of Aurora results will be added after Nov. 25, according to the Will County clerk’s office.