Lake County incumbent coroner Jennifer Banek wins reelection

Democratic incumbent Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek appeared headed for a second term late Tuesday with a comfortable lead over Republican challenger Mark A. Symonds.

With 82% of votes counted late Tuesday, unofficial results showed Banek, a nurse anesthetist, ahead with 156,916 votes or 57.7% to 115,069 votes or 42.3% for Symonds, co-owner of a funeral home making his first run for elected office.

All results are unofficial.

During the campaign, Banek said the mission of the coroner’s office was to conduct efficient and thorough death investigations with a focus on preventable deaths.

The Green Oaks resident said she redefined and expanded the scope of the office during her term in ways essential to the public health system.

She cited among her accomplishments decreasing wait time and expanding referrals for organ and tissue donations through a partnership with the Gift of Hope organ and tissue donor network. To that end, the partnership had 24 successful donors last year whose organs and tissues helped an estimated 600 people, Banek said.

She also touted a collaboration with policymakers and others to fund mental health and other services to benefit survivors.

Symonds, of Highland Park, has 33 years of experience as a funeral director and a lifetime spent in the funeral industry. Encouraged to run by fellow funeral directors among others, he cited compassion and empathy for families of the deceased among his goals.

Daily Herald reporter Mick Zawislak contributed to this report.