Willis handily wins reelection to state House

Democratic incumbent Kathleen Willis of Addison won another term representing state House District 77, defeating Republican challenger Anthony Airdo of Melrose Park.

With 59 of 62 precincts reporting, unofficial final totals show Willis with 14,579 votes and Airdo with 6,115.

Willis served 12 years on the Addison Elementary District 4 school board before being elected to the House in 2012. She said she is open to discussing a graduated income tax that will reduce the burden on the middle class. She opposes term limits but says she has worked toward "common sense" gun laws and to protect the rights of union workers. Willis also supports expanded exemptions for seniors and veterans throughout the state, similar to what Cook County property owners experienced recently.

Airdo is a proponent of smaller government and lower taxes. He ran a stealth campaign and did not respond to requests for interviews. He ran against Willis two years ago and was defeated then as well.

The 77th District includes parts of Addison, Bensenville, Franklin Park and Wood Dale.