Martini easily secures victory in Lake County Board District 5

Judy Martini will return to the Lake County Board, this time representing District 5.

Unofficial votes from all 24 precincts by 11 p.m. Tuesday show the 64-year-old Republican with 59 percent of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Niki Warden, Fox Lake's village clerk.

All votes are unofficial until canvassed later this month.

Martini, of Fox Lake, served on the Lake County Board in District 1 for 14 years before not seeking re-election in 2012. She will replace Bonnie Thompson Carter, who chose to not seek re-election.

Martini said reducing real estate taxes and establishing a balanced budget are her priorities.