Republican Kevin Schmidt of Millstadt has upset three term incumbent Democrat LaToya Greenwood of East St. Louis for the 114th House District, by more than 2,000 votes.
The race could not be called until around 7 a.m. Wednesday because the East St. Louis Board of Elections, which operates separately from the St. Clair County elections board, had not posted any results from its 25 precincts.
Schmidt held a 5,919 lead over Greenwood in St. Clair County alone, a gap that would have been difficult to make up even in a city that consistently votes 90% of the time for Democrats.
"Voters spoke loud and clear of their desire to see a state government more accountable to the people," Schmidt said. "A special thanks to everyone who helped make (Tuesday's) victory possible. I look forward to beginning my service at the State Capitol by holding the line on taxes, keeping our communities safe from crime, and pursuing pro-economic growth policies to grow the middle class."
Schmidt, a board certified chiropractor, focused heavily on Greenwood's voting record, which he described as "radical."
Greenwood had a fundraising advantage of approximately $500,000 to Schmidt's $150,000, of which approximately $20,000 came from loans he made to his committee.
Democrats for the Illinois House gave Greenwood $115,000 on Nov. 3.