Nybo declares victory with big lead in District 41

With 99 percent of the 118 precincts reporting, Elmhurst 5th Ward Alderman Chris Nybo has declared victory in the race for the GOP nod to replace 16-year Republican Rep. Bob Biggins in Illinois' 41st House District.

With 46 percent of the vote, Nybo appears to lead his closest opponent, DuPage County Board Member Brien Sheahan, who has 28 percent, according to the unofficial counts.

Only one of the other three candidates has more than 10 percent of the vote. Rafael Rivadeneira has 15 percent while Michael Manzo has 6 percent and Matt Burden 5 percent.

Nybo now will go on to battle Democrat Brian J. Stephenson for the House seat in the Nov. 2 general election.

Nybo said he believes he connected with voters while walking every mile of the district, which includes parts of Elmhurst, Lombard, Oak Brook Terrace and La Grange Park.

"I had thousands of conversations with residents who want a representative who will give an honest and hard effort to clean up state government, get the economy back on track, and get everyone back to work," Nybo said after declaring victory and speaking to some of his opponents.

"Now we move on to an even greater challenge to get seated in the House and I'm excited to face that challenge with the unqualified support of Brien Sheahan, who said he will stand with me to keep Republican values strong in the 41st District."

The race quickly became a two-candidate scuffle as Nybo and Sheahan split more than half of the early vote totals within a half-hour of polls closing.

"It was a tough battle and we knew it would be, but it shows what you can do when you get out and meet the voters," Nybo said. "We learned good information about what our neighbors want in Springfield and we're prepared to deliver."