Peterson has 9 percentage-point lead over McLaughlin in 52nd House race

Early unofficial election results in the 52nd House district show Democratic challenger Maria Peterson pulling away from incumbent Republican Martin McLaughlin.

With 52% of the estimated votes counted, Peterson garnered 54.6% of votes, while McLaughlin has 45.4%.

This election is a rematch between the two. McLaughlin, of Barrington Hills, defeated the North Barrington Democrat in the last election by 47 votes in a race that wasn’t settled for two weeks after Election Day.

Peterson earned her rematch by defeating Erin Chan Ding in the Democratic primary.

A former attorney who serves on the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals, Peterson said in her Daily Herald questionnaire, she brings a lifetime of experience advocating for people solving problems and serving her community.

She also pointed to her service on the Citizens Utility Board advocating for consumers.

McLaughlin, a former Barrington Hills village president said in a Daily Herald questionnaire, he spent decades in the private sector managing pensions and investments, giving him a unique perspective on pension obligations and the cost of government.

He added, as a business owner he has made payroll in health care decisions for employees and understands the impact of regulations taxes and mandates.

The 52nd District includes all or parts of Algonquin, the Barrington area, Fox River Grove, Inverness, Island Lake, Volo, Wauconda, Libertyville and Mundelein.