Curran wins fourth term as Lake sheriff

In his quest for a fourth term, Republican Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran narrowly defeated Democratic challenger John Idleburg.

With all votes counted, Curran topped Idleburg 120,305 to 119,551, unofficial results showed. Curran led significantly all night but gave up significant ground once votes cast early and by mail were counted.

But they weren't enough for Idleburg to pull off an upset.

Curran, of Libertyville, has been sheriff since 2006. He first ran as a Democrat but switched political parties in 2008 and ran as a Republican in 2010, 2014 and this year.

Idleburg, of Zion, had worked as a U.S. Treasury special agent and with the Great Lakes Police Department.

Curran withstood a number of allegations from Idleburg during the campaign.

Idleburg claimed Curran withheld information regarding a death in the jail during election season. Curran said he has swiftly launched investigations into any jail deaths.

The candidates sparred about hiring practices, too.

Curran faced a no-confidence vote from some unionized employees, too.