Illinois
Early results show Democrats likely to maintain supermajorities in Illinois General Assembly | Capitol News Illinois
Preliminary, unofficial election results show no seats in the state House or Senate have changed party hands, although a few races remained too close to call according to the Associated Press.
That means Democrats will maintain supermajorities in each chamber of the General Assembly even as President Donald Trump appears to have vastly outperformed his previous two showings in the state in 2016 and 2020.
The AP called the presidential race for Trump early Wednesday, and with an estimated 93% of votes counted, he trailed Vice President Kamala Harris in Illinois by about eight percentage points. If the total holds, it’s about half of the margin of victory enjoyed by Democrats in the state in each of the past four presidential cycles.
Illinois’ representation in Congress also appears unlikely to change. Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen withstood a challenge in the 17th Congressional District of northwest Illinois, beating Republican challenger Joe McGraw, 54% to 46%, meaning Democrats will keep their 14-3 advantage in the state’s congressional delegation.
“Now, it’s about coming together to do what’s best for all of us and I am proud to be the good neighbor to represent you,” Sorensen said in a statement late Tuesday night. “We have a lot of challenges and hard work ahead of us, but I can tell you the sun will rise tomorrow morning and our forecast is bright.”
And in Cook County, early returns showed Democrats poised to sweep all county-level offices that were up for election, including state’s attorney, while voters in Chicago cast ballots in their first-ever elections for local school board seats.
General Assembly
As of early Wednesday, unofficial results showed Democrats were poised to likely keep their 78-40 supermajority in the Illinois House and their 40-19 control of the Senate, although a few races proved to be highly competitive.
That was true in the 52nd House district, where incumbent Republican Rep. Martin McLaughlin, of Barrington Hills, was leading Democratic challenger Maria Peterson, 51% to 49%, a margin of fewer than 1,000 votes.
And in the 47th House District, incumbent Republican Rep. Amy Grant, of Wheaton, was leading Democrat Jackie Williamson, 50.4% to 49.6%, a margin of just 500 votes.
Another uncalled race is in the 76th District that includes parts of DeKalb, LaSalle and Bureau counties. Democrat Amy Briel led Republican Liz Bishop by less than 700 votes in the race to succeed retiring Democrat Lance Yednock.
The race was also too close to call for a pair of incumbents – 91st District Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, and 104th District Rep. Brandun Schweizer, R-Danville, in two central Illinois races. As of Wednesday morning, the AP hadn’t tallied all the votes in Champaign or McLean counties. A Capitol News Illinois analysis 91st District data showed Chung handily winning that race by about 3,500 votes, while Schweizer had a lead of 771 votes in the 104th District with some mail votes outstanding.
In the 112th District in the Metro East area outside St. Louis, Democratic Rep. Katie Stuart, of Edwardsville, was leading Republican challenger Jay Keeven, also of Edwardsville, 54% to 46%.
That district was at the center of a debate during the spring legislative session when Democrats pushed through a bill to ban the practice of political parties “slating” candidates for a race after a primary election if no candidate from that party ran for the nomination.
That bill passed the General Assembly in May, even though candidates from both parties, including Keeven, were already actively gathering petition signatures to fill vacant ballot positions.
The Illinois Supreme Court eventually ruled that law couldn’t go into effect in 2024, allowing Keeven to remain on the ballot.
And in the neighboring 114th District, former Democratic Rep. LaToya Greenwood, of East St. Louis, appeared far behind in her attempt to retake the seat she lost following redistricting in 2022 to Republican Rep. Kevin Schmidt. Unofficial returns from that rematch showed Schmidt holding onto lead of less than 2,000 votes with 78% of votes counted. Although the AP had not called the race as of Wednesday, Schmidt issued a news release claiming victory.
Statewide and local referendums
Three statewide “advisory questions” all passed on Tuesday, although they don’t carry any legal weight.
The first question concerned whether candidates should be subject to civil penalties if they interfere with election workers’ official duties. That passed with 88.9% of respondents voting ‘yes’ with an estimated 89% of votes counted.
The second asked voters whether Illinois should modify its constitution to allow for higher taxes on those with incomes over $1 million to pay for property tax relief programs. With an estimated 89% of votes counted, ‘yes’ had carried about 60.3% of the vote.
The third asked whether the state should require insurers that cover pregnancy benefits to also cover assisted reproductive treatments like in vitro fertilization. ‘Yes’ received 72.4% of the vote with 89% of votes counted.
Downstate, seven counties asked voters to consider whether they should explore separating from Cook County to form a new state, with all seven voting in favor of similarly phrased referendums.
This result means that 33 counties so far have voted in favor of exploring separation, just under one-third of Illinois’ 102 counties. In total, about 10.9% of Illinois’ population has voted on this issue, with every county where the question appeared on the ballot voting in favor of separation.
Madison County, which held a referendum on Tuesday, was the closest referendum yet – passing with 56.5% of the vote. The other six counties that voted on Tuesday ranged from about 71% to 77% voting in favor.
Chicago-area races
Chicagoans voted – for the first time – for elected school board members. Ten seats were up for grabs this election and the fiercely fought races brought out millions of dollars in spending from candidates and political committees.
As of Wednesday morning, three races were still too close to call. Of the seven where a winner is clear, three went to candidates backed by the Chicago Teachers Union. Three seats were won by candidates endorsed by either the charter school group INCS Action, a political action committee associated with the conservative Illinois Policy Institute or both. The final candidate wasn’t endorsed by any of those groups.
Recent decisions from leaders in Chicago Public Schools have raised questions about what actions the state might have to take in response. Some state Democrats began publicly considering looking at the level of state oversight at CPS following the resignation of its entire board last month amid tensions with Mayor Brandon Johnson and the CTU.
The election itself follows a fight among state-level Democrats earlier this year that saw competing proposals and a monthslong debate surrounding ethics rules for the reformed board and a timeline on when to hold the board’s first elections.
Other Cook County offices that were up for election were swept by Democrats, including county clerk, circuit court clerk and state’s attorney. Retired judge Eileen O’Neill Burke defeated Republican Bob Fioretti, a former Chicago alderperson, in a closely watched race to replace outgoing State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
The outgoing prosecutor drew national attention for her progressive policies and her office’s handling of the 2019 Jussie Smollett case.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Illinois is full of small towns where the downtown square still serves as the heart of the community. Many are centered on a historic courthouse and ringed by brick buildings, local shops, and cafes. Festivals and farmers’ markets still fill these gathering spaces through the year. The squares feel personal and walkable, keeping an unhurried rhythm that makes them easy to explore. Each one has its own personality shaped by history and local culture.
Galena
This town is one of the best-known towns in Illinois, known for its beautifully preserved 19th-century downtown and dramatic hillside setting. With a population of just a few thousand, the entire town feels like a historic postcard, especially along Main Street, where brick buildings, antique shops, and locally owned boutiques line the steep, walkable streets. The architecture is remarkable and among the best preserved in the Midwest, giving the town a timeless, almost cinematic atmosphere.
Visitors can spend hours exploring the downtown shops, tasting local food, and learning about history at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Site. Scenic overlooks above the town offer wide views of the river valley, and seasonal events like holiday walks and fall festivals make the square feel even more alive. Galena is especially popular for weekend trips because it combines history, scenery, and a strong small-town identity that makes individuals feel at home.
Woodstock
This town is a classic courthouse-square place with strong Victorian-era character and a lively downtown centered around its historic square. The centerpiece is the Woodstock Opera House and the surrounding courthouse square, which has remained visually consistent for over a century. The town is also famous as the filming location for the movie “Groundhog Day,” which adds a unique cultural layer to the experience.
Things to do in Woodstock include walking the squares’ boutique shops and cafes, visiting the Opera House for unique and entertaining performances, and exploring the filming locations scattered around downtown. The town also hosts farmers’ markets, festivals, and seasonal events that keep the square active year-round. It feels both historic and lively, making it one of the most balanced small-town downtowns in Illinois.
Petersburg
This town is small and quiet, located in central Illinois, with a population of just a few thousand people. Its courthouse square is simple but handsome, surrounded by small shops, cafes, and antique stores that reflect its deeply local character. The pace here stays unhurried, and the town feels more like a preserved community hub than a tourist destination.
Visitors can explore the square, enjoy local diners, and browse antique shops, but the biggest draw is its connection to Abraham Lincoln’s history. Nearby New Salem State Historic Site lets visitors step into a recreated pioneer village where Lincoln once lived. The mix of calm downtown life and major historical significance gives Petersburg a unique and intriguing identity among Illinois towns.
Mount Carroll
This town is one of the most architecturally impressive towns in Illinois, with a downtown that feels like a preserved 1800s historic district. The entire square is surrounded by ornate brick buildings, giving it a rich, old-world environment. With a population of around 1,500, it is quiet, walkable, and deeply rooted in history.
Things to do include exploring antique shops, visiting local cafes, and walking the surrounding residential streets filled with historic homes. Unlike more commercialized towns, Mount Carroll feels peaceful and authentic, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy architecture, photography, and quiet exploration.
Princeton
This town offers a lively but still small courthouse square surrounded by antique stores, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. With a population of under 10,000, it serves as a hub for the surrounding farming communities, giving it a steady flow of local activity without losing its character. The downtown area is especially known for its welcoming, community-focused feel.
Visitors can shop in antique malls, dine in cozy and relaxing cafes, and attend seasonal festivals that often take over the square. Nearby attractions like the Red Covered Bridge add a scenic countryside element to the experience, making Princeton a mix of historic downtown appeal and rural Illinois beauty.
Clinton
This town has a traditional Midwestern courthouse square that feels clean, simple, and welcoming. Its center is a foundation surrounded by small businesses that serve both locals and visitors passing through central Illinois. With a population of 7,000, it maintains a close-knit community environment.
Things to do include walking around the square, visiting local shops and cafes, and exploring the DeWitt County Museum for a deeper look at the town’s history. Clinton is not heavily tourist-driven, which gives it an authentic everyday feel that reflects small-town Illinois life.
Dixon
This beautiful town has a scenic stretch of the Rock River and a downtown that blends history, culture, and natural beauty. The square and surrounding streets include murals, shops, and cafes, while the riverfront adds a peaceful, open atmosphere. With a population of around 15,000, it is larger than some of the other towns but still retains a strong small-town identity.
Visitors can explore the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, walk along the riverfront parks, and browse downtown shops and restaurants. The combination of presidential history and river scenery makes Dixon stand out as both educational and visually appealing.
Edwardsville
This town has one of the most active and developed town squares on this list, while still maintaining a historic courthouse-centered layout. Located near the St. Louis metro area, it has a population of around 26,000 residents and serves as a regional hub with restaurants, cafes, and shops surrounding the square. Despite its growth, it still holds onto its small-town character through community events and preserved architecture.
Visitors can enjoy dining downtown, attending farmers’ markets, and walking through the courthouse square during festivals and concerts. The town also offers nearby trails and parks, making it a great mix of outdoor recreation and downtown appeal. Edwardsville shows how a town square can stay relevant while adapting to modern growth.
Where The Square Still Matters
Overall, these Illinois towns show just how diverse and meaningful small-town squares can be. Some feel frozen in time with preserved architecture and quiet streets, while others are active hubs of local life filled with entertaining events and commerce. What they all share is a strong sense of place, where the town square is not just a location, but the identity of the community itself.
Illinois
Man charged with trespassing at Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s home in Chicago on July 4: documents
CHICAGO (WLS) — A man has been charged with trespassing at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s home in Chicago, court documents show.
The incident happened around on July 4 on the city’s North Side.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
A suspect was arrested by police around 10:06 p.m. after he was allegedly seen on camera jumping over a fence and trespassing in the backyard of Pritzker’s house in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
Dwayne Cortez Milton has been charged with trespassing, Cook County court documents showed.
The suspect was ordered to be released from custody in this case pending his trial, but he was been ordered to not return to the property.
However, Milton pleaded guilty in a separate theft case on July 7, and he is currently in custody for that case, documents show.
Milton is scheduled to appear in court again July 27 for the trespassing case.
No further information about the trespassing incident was immediately available.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
An 18-year-old man is hospitalized after he was found shot in Joliet, Illinois, on Saturday evening.
Joliet police said around 6:46 p.m., officers responded to the area of East Benton Street and Polson Place for a report of a man shot.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds to his back and left arm. Police said officers immediately rendered medical aid until Joliet Fire Department paramedics arrived.
The victim was taken to Silver Cross Hospital with life-threatening injuries before later being transferred to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood for further treatment.
Spent shell casings were found after detectives canvassed the area.
Police said there is no description of a suspect and the shooting remains under active investigation.
Anyone with video footage or information related to this shooting is asked to contact the Joliet Police Department Investigations Division at 815-724-3020. Anonymous tipsters can contact Will County Crime Stoppers at 800-323-6734 or submit a tip online at crimestoppersofwillcounty.org.
-
California5 minutes agoMysterious puzzle on California building finally solved
-
Colorado11 minutes agoColorado State football 2026 outlook from national experts
-
Connecticut16 minutes agoHBO casting in CT for neighbor dispute docuseries
-
Delaware23 minutes agoHeat watches, advisories issued for Delaware. How hot will it get?
-
Florida29 minutes agoSouth Florida scientists studying newborn sea turtles
-
Georgia35 minutes agoGeorgia twins launch 3D-printed toy business
-
Hawaii41 minutes agoGuided tours take visitors into Honouliuli internment camp’s ‘Hell Valley’
-
Idaho47 minutes agoIdaho attorneys rebuff DOJ threat to prosecute Secretary of State in voter roll dispute
