Noland wins re-election in 22nd Senate race; Collins concedes

Michael Noland is headed to re-election in the 22nd state senate district.

With 117 of 119 precincts reporting Election Day votes, Noland has 65 percent of those counted. Cary Collins, his opponent, has 35 percent.

Noland, an Elgin Democrat, made a victory speech from Danny’s Pizza’s new downtown Elgin location. He said he’ll have a full plate in his next term in Springfield, where he has been serving since 2007.

As a member of the health care exchange commission, Noland said one of the first issues to address in the next session will be coming into compliance with the Affordable Care Act and keeping development of the health care exchange on track. Reforming the pension and tax systems is also at the top of Noland’s list of things to work on.

“It’s not about how much we’re making during the next quarter or how we’re going to balance the budget through the next election, it’s about long-term economic stability here,” Noland said. “That’s what the people want and that’s what we’re going to be fighting for.”

Collins, a Hoffman Estates attorney, ran on the Republican ticket, to which he was slated in April after no one stepped forward during primary season.

Collins is a former two-term Hoffman Estates village trustee and Hoffman Estates Park District board member.

Collins ran for Senate on a platform of changing the culture of politics in Illinois. He wanted to be a freshman senator standing up to career politicians and fighting for what he believes is best for Illinois residents.

Collins conceded Tuesday night, thanking all the people who knocked on doors for him and noting the losses suffered by Republicans throughout the state.

“The people have spoken,” Collins said. “I wish Mr. Noland the best of luck for the next four years.”