McConchie cruises to win in 26th State Senate race

With nearly all precincts counted late Tuesday night, state Sen. Dan McConchie held a 20-point lead over his Democratic challenger as he sought election to the Barrington-area legislative seat he was appointed to earlier this year, according to unofficial results.

McConchie, a Hawthorn Woods Republican, had 61,074 votes, 60 percent of the total, with 164 of 167 precincts reporting. Kelly Mazeski, a Barrington Hills Democrat and political newcomer, was behind with 41,467 votes.

McConchie said the overwhelming result is evidence that voters wanted someone who had a comprehensive leadership approach on a variety of topics. He said Mazeski dumped nearly $300,000 into the race and went after him on just one issue, that he is pro-life.

"The people are looking for a leader interested in addressing a myriad issues," McConchie said. "This was not just a litmus test on one issue."

Calls to Mazeski's campaign staff for a statement went unanswered late Tuesday night.

McConchie was technically the incumbent candidate, having served in the Senate seat since April, when he was selected to fill what remained of former Sen. Dan Duffy's term. Duffy, who stepped down to lead the nonprofit Prevent Child Abuse America, endorsed McConchie in March's three-way Republican primary.

The two candidates both said the state's pension crisis was among the most important issues in the election, but each put the blame for the situation on the other party.

The 26th District is centered in the Barrington area and includes portions of central and southwest Lake County, plus parts of northwest Cook County, northeast Kane County, and southeast McHenry County.