Didech takes 59th Illinois House

Democrats retained control in the 59th Illinois House District as Dan Didech held a strong lead against challenger Karen Feldman in a contentious race.

Unofficial totals showed Didech, a municipal attorney and Vernon Township supervisor, leading Feldman, a former Lincolnshire village trustee, 19,111 to 12,319 with all 56 Lake County precincts reporting. In Cook County, Didech led 2,104 to 1,184 with six of seven precincts reporting.

Didech has had strong support from the Democratic Party and peppered the district with mailings Feldman said represented fear mongering and manipulation.

The 59th District includes portions of 21 towns, including large sections of Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Vernon Hills and Mundelein.

The pair were vying to replace incumbent replace Democrat Carol Sente, who did not seek a fifth term. The seat has been held by a Democrat since the district was reshaped after the 2000 census.