Oberweis leading in race for state Senate 25th District seat

Republican State Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove appears to be headed to a second term in the state Senate's 25th District.

He was leading Democrat Corinne Pierog of St. Charles 40,960 votes to 32,347, according to unofficial results Tuesday evening.

Oberweis had promised he would only serve two terms, but almost didn't run again due to frustration over the battles over the state's finances.

But he wanted to support Gov. Bruce Rauner's "common-sense agenda," Oberweis said in a Daily Herald endorsement interview. Oberweis supports the call for a property-tax freeze, revision of workers' compensation laws, the "fair map" redistricting initiative, and lawsuit reform. He also supports enacting term limits for state elected officials.

This is the only elected position Oberweis has held, besides precinct committeeman. He previously ran for U.S. Senate, Congress and governor.

Pierog has been on the St. Charles school board for eight years. Her term expires in April, and she said she won't seek re-election.

Like Oberweis, she believes politicians should limit the time they serve, but believes it should be left to voters.

Property tax freezes should also be left to local voters, she said.

The 25th District includes all or parts of Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Campton Hills, Elburn, Geneva, Montgomery, Naperville, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, South Elgin, St. Charles, Sugar Grove, Warrenville, Wayne, West Chicago and Yorkville.