Democrat Robyn Gabel held her Illinois House District 18 seat on Tuesday, Nov. 3, defeating Wilmette Republican Pete Donaghue.
The Associated Press declared Gabel the winner at 8:32 p.m., according to Chicago Sun-Times election results. The district stretches across the North Shore, covering Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northfield, Northbrook and most of Evanston, according to a Chicago Tribune endorsement editorial.
Detailed vote totals were not available on the Sun-Times results page at the time of the AP call. With 70 percent of the expected vote counted, NBC Chicago's results page showed Gabel leading with about 85 percent of the vote.
Gabel, 73, has represented the 18th District since April 2010, according to the Illinois General Assembly's member page. She became House majority leader in January 2023. Before joining the legislature, she led EverThrive, a nonprofit advocacy organization, from 1988 to 2010.
Donaghue, 65, is a Wilmette resident, former trader and real estate professional, according to the Tribune editorial. He ran unopposed in the March 17 Republican primary, receiving 1,226 votes, according to the Evanston RoundTable's primary ballot guide.
Taxes and fiscal policy split the race
The Tribune editorial board endorsed Donaghue and framed the contest as a clash over fiscal direction. The editorial described Gabel as a supporter of higher taxes, including a graduated income tax. It noted she voted for a temporary income tax increase in 2011.
Donaghue told the Tribune editorial board he opposes a proposed millionaire surtax and supports pension reform that protects benefits already earned while reducing future obligations. The Tribune editorial board also said his positions on public safety and property taxes lacked detail.
North Shore voters also weighed in on a Cook County advisory referendum asking whether Illinois should adopt a 3 percent income tax surcharge on millionaires, with revenue split between property tax relief and public education funding, according to Fox 32 Chicago's referenda guide.
Northfield Township voters faced three referenda
Voters in Northfield Township had three additional ballot questions on Nov. 3, according to the township's referendum FAQ page. The Northfield Township Board of Trustees authorized all three on May 12.
One binding question asked whether the township's Road District should be abolished, with its duties absorbed by the township government. If approved, the Road District would become a Road Department under the Township Board's direct oversight by May 2029, and the elected highway commissioner position would eventually be eliminated.
Two non-binding advisory questions asked whether the township should explore offering pre-packaged meals through its food pantry and whether it should assess providing garbage and recycling services in unincorporated areas. The food pantry serves about 1,050 households, roughly 38 percent of which include at least one senior citizen.
All 118 Illinois House seats were on the Nov. 3 ballot, according to Axios Chicago's voter guide. Representatives serve two-year terms. Voters can check final certified results through the Cook County Clerk's website.
