Durkin Wins By Huge Margin in 82nd District

There will be a familiar face on the November ballot for the Illinois House’s 82nd District.

Incumbent  won the district’s Republican nomination with , defeating challenger .

No one ran in the 82nd District Democratic primary, which means Durkin will be running unopposed in the general election, barring the appointment of a Democratic candidate.

“We’ve got significant challenges ahead of us,” Durkin said Tuesday night. “I’m honored Republican voters in the 82nd District have confidence that I’m the best candidate to represent their interests in Springfield.”

With the primary over, Durkin said the Illinois General Assembly now faces a month-and-a-half of tough discussions as they work to balance the state’s budget. He said he plans to continue to prioritize pension and Medicaid reform.

“Everything else pales in comparison to how we will be able to rein them in,” he said.

Durkin served as a state representative for the 44th District from 1995-2002, at which point he ran for the U.S. Senate on the Republican ticket against Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin. He returned to the Illinois House midterm in 2006 when he replaced retiring Rep. Eileen Lyons in the 82nd District, where he has served since.

Reigle could not be reached Tuesday after final election results came in. Her campaign manager, Bill Montgomery, spoke on her behalf.

“We’re disappointed, but you know what? Tomorrow is a new day and we intend to march ahead,” he said.

Earlier in the evening Reigle said at her campaign headquarters that she would continue to fight for education reform.

“In essence, you often can accomplish nothing locally,” she said. “It needs to be at the state level.” She did not rule out running for office again.

In addition to her role as a Democratic committeeman in Downers Grove Township, Reigle has served as president of the Pleasantdale Voluntary Civic Association. She also describes herself as a “consultant to taxpayer groups concerned about education.” 

The 82nd District of the Illinois House includes parts of , , Woodridge, , Homer Glen, La Grange and Western Springs. 

82nd District Results