Walker beats Corrigan in race for 53rd state House

A one-time state legislator from Arlington Heights will return to Springfield in January, after withstanding a tough challenge from a young Republican.

With 69 of 75 precincts reporting Tuesday, Democrat Mark Walker collected 21,377 votes to the 19,697 votes for Republican Eddie Corrigan of Arlington Heights, all but assuring Walker the 53rd House District seat, according to unofficial returns.

The seat was up for grabs after state Rep. David Harris decided not to seek reelection, fearing a GOP primary challenge. He was one of 10 Republicans who crossed the aisle last year to override Gov. Rauner's veto, and end the more than two-year budget stalemate.

Walker, committeeman of the Wheeling Township Democratic Organization, served in the House from 2009 to 2011 and, after redistricting, lost in a head-to-head race against Harris.

On Tuesday, Walker attributed his victory to focusing on issues that differentiated him from Corrigan, like abortion rights and gun control.

"We stuck with issues that moved people," he said.

Both Arlington Heights residents ran to represent a district that includes parts of Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights and Wheeling.