Will County's Election Results For 2024 County, Judicial Races

JOLIET — The leaders of the Will County Democratic Party hoped to retain their power hold on local politics for another four years in Tuesday's general election and based on Tuesday night's unofficial vote totals, the Democrats will remain in power, but several of the races turned out much closer than many people anticipated.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, the Shorewood Democrat, issued a press release after defeating her Republican challenger Chuck Maher on Tuesday by about 7,000 votes, according to the unofficial vote totals.

“When I ran for County Executive, I made a commitment to our residents to prioritize their needs and ensure effective governance," Bertino-Tarrant announced in her press release. "To be responsive, listen, and work collaboratively to address the challenges we face, together. I value the work we have done and firmly believe our communities and county are poised for greater things ahead. Farming communities and urban centers, Will County is a welcoming community for all, and I’m proud to call it my home."

Among her accomplishments, Bertino-Tarrant worked with the County Board to implement the largest infrastructure improvement plan in Will County’s history, enhance resources for mental health services and secure increased funding for local law enforcement.

“We’ve made great strides,” Bertino-Tarrant stated. “But there is still more work to be done. I promise to continue fighting for working families, senior citizens, veterans, and all those who need our support. I look forward to working with the county board and our local elected officials to move Will County forward.”

The following races were on the ballot for the voters of Will County:

Will County's Election Results

94 percent of precincts reporting:

Will County's Executive:

• Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Democrat incumbent: 157,542 votes, 51 percent
• Charles "Chuck" Maher, Republican challenger: 150,243 votes, 49 percent

Will County Coroner:

• Laurie Summers, Democrat incumbent: 158,391 52 percent
• Robert Enright, Republican challenger: 146,308 votes, 48 percent

Will County Circuit Court Clerk:

• Andrea Lynn Chasteen, Democrat incumbent: 154,557 votes, 50.4 percent
• Diane Harris, Republican challenger: 151,935 votes, 49.6 percent

Will County Clerk:

• Michelle Stiff, Democrat challenger: 151,880 votes, 49 percent
• Annette Parker, Republican challenger: 155,541 votes 51 percent

Will County Auditor:

• Kevin "Duffy" Blackburn, Democrat incumbent: 155,358 votes 51 percent
• James Robert Buiter, Republican challenger: 149,895 votes 49 percent

Will County Register of Deeds:

• Karen A. Stukel, Democrat incumbent: 161,461 votes 53 percent
• Raquel Mitchell, Republican challenger: 145,750 votes 47 percent

Will County State's Attorney:

• James Glasgow, the incumbent Democrat, had no opponent from the Republican Party.

Will County's Judicial Races:

For Will County Circuit Court Judge (filling vacancy of Susan O'Leary)

Collette Safford, Democratic challenger: 153,782 votes, 50.2 percent

Art Smigielski, Republican challenger: 152,377 votes, 49.8 percent

For Will County Circuit Court Judge (filling vacancy of Jeffrey Allen)

Jennifer Lynch, Democratic challenger: 158,391 votes, 52 percent

Katie Rabenda, Republican challenger 146,308 votes, 48 percent

Will County Circuit Judge Retention:

Shall Vincent Cornelius be retained?

Yes: 197,453 votes, 71 percent

No: 80,146 votes, 29 percent

Shall David Garcia be retained?

Yes: 195,295 votes, 70 percent

No: 82,696 votes, 30 percent

Check back with Patch for updates.