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Fortner holds lead in 95th House race

West Chicago Republican glides into third term in Illinois House

Voters in the 95th District on Tuesday chose Republican Mike Fortner to continue to serve as their state representative.

With all precincts reporting, unofficial results from DuPage and Kane counties show Fortner garnered 63 percent of the vote in Tuesday's election, while Democratic challenger Maria Owens had about 37 percent.

“I want to thank the voters for putting their trust initially in me four years ago and return me with that same trust to try to do both what's best to try to maintain the quality of life for the 95th District and also to try to put my skills to bear to fix the problems that Illinois faces,” Fortner said.

Fortner has served as a state representative since 2007 after being elected in 2006. He works as an associate professor of physics at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and lives in West Chicago, where he was mayor from 2001 to 2006. He has been married for 17 years and has two children.

Fortner said Tuesday night that reforming the redistricting process and pensions will be his first goals during his next term in office.

He said during the campaign that his experience with science and physics research gives him a unique perspective on the complex issues Illinois government faces. During four years in Springfield, Fortner served as the Republican spokesman of the biotechnology committee and the youth and family committee.

Owens is a retired teacher from Winfield.

The 95th district covers parts of Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, Naperville, North Aurora, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield.

Fortner's 2-year term begins Jan. 12 when the Illinois General Assembly first convenes with new members.