Democrat Mike Quigley cruises to re-election in Congress

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley cruised to re-election Tuesday over his Republican opponent in a solidly Democratic district that includes much of Chicago's North Side, but also extends into the suburbs.

Quigley, a nine-year incumbent in the 5th District seat, tallied 176,158 votes to 53,767 votes for Tom Hanson, with 501 of 585 precincts reporting, according to unofficial results. The Associated Press declared Quigley the winner at 8:10 p.m.

Should Democrats win the House, Quigley would be in line for chairmanship of a House Appropriations subcommittee - a powerful role that would allow him to bring resources back to the Chicago area. But Quigley, who identifies himself as a centrist Democrat, vowed during the campaign he would work across the aisle to fashion legislation in a bipartisan manner.

Both Chicago residents ran to represent a district that also includes portions of Des Plaines, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Rosemont and Wood Dale.

Quigley defeated three challengers in March in what was his first primary challenge since being elected to Congress.