Illinois Democrats Sweep Statewide Ballot

Democrats dominated in Illinois Tuesday night — easily taking all statewide races on the ballot. The seats for governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurer – all were swept up by the so-called blue wave. 

Also among the winners was Susana Mendoza who​ won a reelection bid as state comptroller against Republican opponent Darlene Senger.

Mendoza said she’s glad to be part of what she calls a “dream team” with governor-elect J.B. Pritzker. 

“It’s been the greatest privilege of my life to get to serve the wonderful people of this great state of Illinois by managing our state through the worst fiscal crisis in its history," she said.

But Mendoza is rumored to also be considering a run for Chicago mayor.  In her victory speech, she avoided saying anything about seeking that office.  Earlier, Mendoza said she’d commit to a full term as comptroller if Bruce Rauner was reelected, to remain as a check on the Republican governor. 

Kwame Raoul also took part in the Democratic victory, easily defeating Republican opponent Erika Harold in the race for attorney general. In his victory speech, Raoul evoked his father,  a physician who died from cancer.

“He believed in healthcare as a human right. And Republican attorney generals (sic) right now are trying to take that away—and you better believe I’m going to live out my father’s legacy and fight for access to health care," he said.

Raoul becomes the first new attorney general in 16 years after Lisa Madigan decided not to run for reelection.

Secretary of State Jesse White and Treasurer Mike Frerichs also won their reelections.