Hastings Leads Gasca In 19th District Race: 2024 Election Results

TINLEY PARK, IL — With unofficial vote totals showing him in the lead, incumbent Democrat Michael Hastings has declared victory in the race for the Illinois Senate 19th District.

In Cook and Will counties, Democrat Hastings took on newcomer Republican Samantha Gasca of New Lenox. Unofficial vote totals show Hastings led in Cook County throughout the night, with Gasca leading in Will County.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

(as of 11:53 p.m. Tuesday)

HASTINGS

• Cook (73 of 73 precincts reporting): 34,571
• Will: (60 of 60 precincts reporting): 25,329

GASCA

• Cook (73 of 73 precincts reporting): 12,134
• Will: (60 of 60 precincts reporting): 35,579

Hastings thanked supporters just before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to have the trust of our community and to continue serving as your voice in the Illinois State Senate,” Hastings said in a release. "This victory reflects the dedication and commitment of everyone who stood with us, worked hard, and believed in our shared vision for a brighter future."

Hastings also extended his gratitude to the voters for their confidence and support in his ability to advance their priorities in Springfield.

"This win is a testament to our shared values and our collective commitment to a better Illinois for generations to come,” Hastings said. "As we move forward, I pledge to listen and to work tirelessly on behalf of every member of our community. Together, we will continue building an Illinois that fosters opportunity, promotes fairness, and protects the values we all hold dear."

DISTRICT

The 19th district includes all, or parts, of the communities of Arbury Hills, Country Club Hills, Frankfort, Frankfort Square, Hazel Crest, Homer Glen, Homewood, Joliet, Lockport, Matteson, Mokena, New Lenox, Oak Forest, Olympia Fields, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Richton Park, Tinley Park and University Park.

CANDIDATE PRIORITIES

SEN. MICHAEL HASTINGS

In his platform, Frankfort resident Hastings pointed to rising property taxes and threats to constituents' civil liberties as among the most pressing issues the district faces.

"Increasing property taxes are burdening residents, making it essential to improve education funding while addressing tax mismanagement," Hastings wrote in his Patch candidate questionnaire.

Key issues in his platform included education funding, public health, gun legislation, mental health services, legislator ethics, veterans' needs and services, and infrastructure improvements. Hastings also supports ensuring women’s autonomy over healthcare decisions, including access to abortion services, he said.

Read his full candidate questionnaire.

SAMANTHA GASCA

Newcomer and New Lenox resident Samantha Gasca sought to tackle corruption in the Illinois government. She says that at the forefront of issues facing constituents are the cost of living, and rising property taxes. She would seek "thorough, independent audits of all governmental agencies within the 19th Senate District (to start)," she said in her questionnaire.

"I believe in small government, freedom of speech, and constitutional rights," Gasca wrote.

On her campaign website, Gasca says she would "work tirelessly to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses, and create more jobs."

Gasca also pinpointed prioritizing accessible healthcare, pushing for increased funding for public schools, and additional police officers hired as ways she hopes to address key issues facing the territory.

Read more about Gasca in her candidate questionnaire.