Metro East Sun

Republican Kevin Schmidt has claimed victory over incumbent Democratic Rep. LaToya Greenwood in the 114th House District.

“We won! Thank you for all the help and support. Let’s straighten up Illinois,” Schmidt said on Facebook.  

According to the Associated Press, Schmidt is leading Greenwood by about 6,000 votes with 71% of the vote counted as of midday Nov. 9. Schmidt has claimed victory based on these unofficial results.

"Voters spoke loud and clear of their desire to see a state government more accountable to the people. A special thanks to everyone who helped make tonight’s victory possible. I look forward to beginning my service at the State Capitol by holding the line on taxes, keeping our communities safe from crime, and pursuing pro-economic growth policies to grow the middle class," Schmidt said in a statement.

Schmidt is a chiropractor from Millstadt. The 114th district includes parts of East St. Louis, Millstadt, O'Fallon, and Lebanon.

Schmidt is opposed to the SAFE-T Act, and protested a Supreme Court decision that retroactively applied the SAFE-T Act in a sentencing appeal. 

"In essence, the Illinois Supreme Court retroactively used the SAFE-T Act to interpret the intent of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987...The intent of the LaToya Greenwood-backed SAFE-T Act was to completely transform our judicial system and it is already accomplishing this goal even before it fully takes effect,"  Schmidt said.

Schmidt campaigned against the SAFE-T Act and brought attention to Greenwood's support of it saying, "The only way we can repeal this legislation and enact common-sense reforms is to vote legislators like LaToya Greenwood out of office. I will put the safety of our communities first and I will never turn my back on the residents of the 114th District."

In the first general election without former House Speaker Michael Madigan, Democrats have held their supermajorities in both houses of the General Assembly. 

The day after the election, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) announced he would not seek another term as leader. 

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as leader of the House Republican caucus, but it’s time for the Illinois Republican Party to rebuild with new leaders who can bring independents back to the party that are needed to bring change to the state," Durkin said.

Republicans went into the election with high hopes; however only 78 of the 118 House seats were contested, and in the Senate only 25 of 59 seats were contested. Republicans made modest gains in the State Senate, but it was still a disappointing night for them as the Democrats still have complete control in Springfield.