Illinois Senate 33rd District Election Results 2026: Clark Vs. Penman [Live Updates]

ST. CHARLES, IL — Voters in Illinois' 33rd Senate District headed to the polls Tuesday to choose between Democrat Michele Clark of Algonquin and Republican Danielle Penman of St. Charles in the race to replace retiring Republican state Sen. Don DeWitte.

Polls closed at 7 p.m., and election officials began tallying ballots. No results were available as of 7 p.m. Check back throughout the evening for updates as vote totals are released.

Election results:

• Michele Clark (D):
• Danielle Penman (R):

The candidates were seeking their first elected office in a competitive suburban district encompassing portions of Kane and McHenry counties. DeWitte has represented the district since 2018 and did not seek another term.

Penman, 49, is a labor and delivery nurse with more than 26 years of healthcare experience. Clark, 53, is a former small business owner and nonprofit leader who serves as director of development for the Community Unit School District 300 Food Pantry.

Both candidates made affordability a central issue in their campaigns but proposed different approaches to reducing costs for Illinois residents.

In her questionnaire submitted to Patch, Penman advocated increasing homeowner exemptions, reducing government spending and reconsidering unfunded state mandates that contribute to higher local property taxes.

Clark, in an Oct. 16 questionnaire published by the Daily Herald, supported increasing state funding for public schools, exploring alternative revenue sources to reduce reliance on property taxes and expanding eligibility for senior property tax freezes.

The candidates also addressed rising energy costs and proposed data center developments. Penman emphasized maintaining reliable electricity generation, protecting residents from infrastructure expenses and allowing local communities to make decisions about proposed projects. Clark also supported local input while calling for consideration of water consumption, environmental impacts and utility costs.

On immigration, Penman supported federal enforcement of immigration laws while emphasizing respect for individual dignity and keeping families together when possible. Clark criticized federal immigration enforcement actions that she said have harmed families and communities.

Both candidates opposed using taxpayer money to directly finance construction of a new Chicago Bears stadium.

More On The Candidates

Patch invited both candidates to complete its 2026 election questionnaire. Penman submitted responses, while Clark had not responded as of publication of Patch's election preview. More information is available through Penman's Patch questionnaire, Clark's Daily Herald questionnaire and Patch's 2026 Illinois Election Guide.

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