Nybo wins seat in Illinois House District 41

Elmhurst alderman Chris Nybo defeated Democrat Brian Stephenson Tuesday to win the open Illinois House seat in District 41.

With 99 percent of the votes counted, Nybo had 62 percent of the vote and Stephenson 37 percent, according to unofficial results.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to actually confront the problems facing our state,” said Nybo, 33, an employment attorney.

Experience was a key issue in the low-key campaign, during which both candidates referred to each other as “a nice guy.” The two men pounded the pavement in the district, which includes portions of Elmhurst, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace and LaGrange Park. “I think we just met thousands more voters than I think Mr. Stephenson met,” Nybo said.

Nybo, who will resign his position as alderman, stressed his track record of “making the tough decisions” necessary to balance a governmental budget.

The Republican's experience in Elmhurst included dealing with budget constraints and skyrocketing pension costs, he said. He also served on the DuPage County Zoning Board.

Stephenson, a 49-year-old LaGrange Park attorney, admitted he is a political newcomer, but cited his experience running his own business and starting several grass-roots community programs.

Both candidates said they oppose raising the state income tax as a solution to Illinois' financial problems.

Nybo said reforms in the Medicaid program and state pension system are needed to get Illinois back in the black. He called for across-the-board pay and hiring freezes, even if it means renegotiating union contracts, and said state employees and retirees should pay more for their health insurance.