Breen wins second term in 48th House

Republican Peter Breen of Lombard will serve a second term as representative of the 48th House District, according to unofficial election results.

With all 120 precincts reporting Tuesday, Breen garnered about 57 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat challenger Steven Swanson of Lombard.

The 48th District covers all or parts of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace and Downers Grove.

Breen, 40, said he feels he's getting things done in the Illinois House, considering 11 of his bills have been passed into law. That success, he said, was his primary motivation to run for another 2-year term.

Swanson, 71, is a recently retired Lutheran pastor who has never held an elected position.

Breen started his political career as a precinct committeeman in 2009 and served as village trustee in Lombard from 2011 to 2014. As a state representative, he was one of two House Republicans selected to serve on an eight-person reform working group, which is assigned to negotiate major reforms necessary to reach a budget agreement.

Breen says his top priority is turning around the economy so people can stop feeling like they need to flee the state to find a better life for themselves and their families. He also believes in reforming the delivery of existing services before looking at any additional taxes.