Illinois 97th District State Representative Election Results 2026: Dixon Heitman Vs. Shanahan [Live Updates]

PLAINFIELD, IL — The polls have closed on the race between Democrat Jessica Dixon Heitman and Republican Gabby Shanahan, who each hoped to convince voters they were the best choice to represent Illinois's 97th District in the state House of Representatives.

With 66 percent of votes counted, here are the unofficial vote tallies so far, per the Chicago Tribune:

• Dixon Heitman: 17,497 votes (62.2 percent)
• Shanahan: 10,632 votes (37.8 percent)

In Tuesday's general election, voters took their pick between the Republican Shanahan or Democrat Heitman Dixon, who assumed office in July to fill the seat vacated by disgraced former Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield).

Benton, who was first elected in 2022 but resigned ahead of the completion of his third term, hung up his cap this summer after an investigation determined he committed two separate acts of sexual harassment, Patch reported.

RELATED: 'Pattern' Of Sexual Harassment: Newly Released Ethics Report Says Ex-State Rep. Benton Violated State Law

The 97th District's Democratic Representative Committee unanimously voted to appoint Dixon Heitman, the granddaughter of late Sen. Alan Dixon, to succeed Benton and take his place in the general election.

A resident of Plainfield, Dixon Heitman serves as president of communications firm Dixon/Heitman Collective. She vowed that her priorities would be lowering costs for families by easing property taxes, pushing for strong public schools with fair funding, supporting law enforcement, creating opportunities for small businesses, and securing funding for infrastructure and schools for her district.

It was Shanahan's second attempt at securing the 97th District representative seat. She ran against Benton in 2024 but was unable to unseat him, losing by about 2,300 votes.

A graduate of Plainfield Central High School, Shanahan said was running to lower the cost of living, create opportunities for children, and lead with honesty that drives the community forward, according to her campaign website.

The 97th District covers a majority of Plainfield as well as parts of Joliet, Shorewood, Naperville and Oswego.

Election results are unofficial until certified by election authorities. This story will be updated as additional vote totals become available.