Will County Gazette

Diane Harris won the GOP primary for the embattled State Senate District 43 slot. 

Harris thanked all her supporters and organizations including Will County Republican Central Committee, Joliet Township Republican Organization, Dupage Township Republican Organization, Lockport Township Republicans, Channahon Republican Party, Troy Township Republicans, Jackson Township Republicans, Will County Young Republicans Organization and Jackson Township Conservative Republicans.

“Our team! If you voted, made calls, signed or circulated petitions, just said an encouraging word, put up signs then you are also part of our team and I 'THANK YOU!' We had a nailbitting time looking at the election results together at CUT 158 Chophouse but we finished on top," Harris said on Facebook. "(The official totals will be announced in couple weeks.) In the meantime, we humbly accept our winning. With the grace of God on our side, we will move on to the Nov. 8 general election to run against the Democratic opponent and win to represent the voters in the 43rd Senate District."  

Unofficial results showed Harris notched the victory with a slight advantage over Michelle Lee, according to Daily Herald. 

"Republican primary totals with 100% of Will County precincts reporting: Harris: 4,667 votes; Lee: 4,549 votes," Patch reported.

Harris will take on a Democrat Party in disarray after appointee State Sen. Eric Mattson (D-Joliet) was primaried by Will County Board Member Rachel Ventura. Though technically an incumbent, Senate Democrats welcomed the appointment of Mattson, who also serves as Joliet fire captain, to the seat in May. He received support from the party including $80,000 in campaign funds and a bevy of high-profile endorsements from Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Joliet City Councilwoman Bettye Gavin and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

Harris’s candidacy was promoted by the Senate Republican Victory Fund. 

“Diane M. Harris is a social and fiscal conservative, pro-life Baptist mother of three and one dog. Born in a conservative Democrat family, she was taught to love thy neighbor as thyself and always work hard for what's to be achieved in life,” her profile reads. “Diane was educated in Will County’s public schools. Graduated from JJC and from University of Phoenix with a bachelor of science in management. She has lived in the Historic Cathedral Area in Joliet for 21 years and attends Mt. Olive Baptist Church.” 

Harris was also a member of IBEW No. 1460 and No. 15 until retiring after 32 years. She currently owns a small business in Downtown Joliet and currently serves as trustee for Joliet's Public Library, vice chairman of the Joliet Township Republicans, 23rd Precinct committee member and a member of many boards and organizations throughout Will County.