Early votes propel Mason to 61st House seat

With a big boost from early voters, Democratic challenger Joyce Mason defeated Republican state Rep. Sheri Jesiel on Tuesday for the 61st District House seat representing northern Lake County.

Mason, of Gurnee, upset Jesiel, of Winthrop Harbor, by a 19,491 to 18,375 vote margin. Jesiel had been leading until ballots cast early and by mail were counted after Election Day votes.

Mason, a Woodland Elementary School District 50 trustee, and Jesiel differed on several key issues during the campaign. For example, Jesiel opposed a proposed graduated income tax, while Mason was open to the concept.

Jesiel joined the General Assembly in 2014.