Election Results: Bertino-Tarrant Keeps 49th District State Senate Seat

With 110 precincts reporting, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has kept her seat on the 49th District State Senate.

Bertino-Tarrant received 52.6 percent, while opponent Michelle Smith took 47.4 percent, bringing their vote totals to 50,996 and 45,904 respectively, according to unofficial results.

Bertino-Tarrant said she has worked with both Democrats and Republicans to sponsor more than 50 pieces of legislation.

“My record has meant more money for our schools, more jobs in our community, and less red-tape for our small businesses. I have cut my own pay and reduced legislative perks.”

Bertino-Tarrant claims Smith has raised taxes by 28 percent during her time on the Plainfield School Board, adding $1,000 to the average homeowner’s property tax bill.

“We need tax relief, not more taxes. That’s why I’ve voted to freeze your property taxes. I am proud to be endorsed by organizations that represent teachers, police-officers, fire-fighters, small business owners, retirees, responsible gun-owners, and working families throughout the 49th District and Illinois.”

Smith said she wants to see term limits and fair legislative maps to stop the “culture of corruption” in Springfield. She also wants pro-growth reforms to bring back jobs, as well as a property tax freeze.

Smith claimed Bertino-Tarrant has been part of the problem.

“During her time in Springfield, she never fully funded our schools, forcing property tax hikes across the state. She even supported unfairly shifting our tax dollars to bail out Chicago Public Schools. Springfield desperately needs new ideas from a fresh perspective,” Smith said. “I believe we must put term limits on Mike Madigan and the career politicians that have ruined our state, freeze your property taxes so that every family keeps more of what they earn, and fully fund schools so that every child has the chance to succeed.”