Will County Gazette

Diane Harris, an unsuccessful candidate for Illinois state legislature, believes she lost in part over the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to reverse the landmark ruling, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion.

"I think they caught on to an agenda about Roe v. Wade and ran with it," Harris told the Will County Gazette. "I just think it was a strong point because Illinois is an abortion state and being pro-life made things tough. My opponent totally focused on reproductive rights. I really think that had a lot to do with things, plus I think the individuals that voted for her were not focused on the the things that are most important now like the economy and parental rights."  

Harris said her takeaway from the election is "we have to remain strong about the things we believe in and make sure we continue to raise our voices."

Republicans "ran good races, clean races" in Illinois, Harris said.

"We just don't have the numbers in specific areas," she said. "It makes it tough, but we have to continue mobilizing our base and getting our message out." 

Her plans are to stand firm in her beliefs.

"Hopefully by next election, we'll be able to get more individuals to see what needs to be done in this state," Harris said. "Anytime a hot-button issue steps in front of me and it effects me, I'll make my voice heard." 

Democrats have controlled the Illinois Senate since 2003. Democrats have also controlled the Illinois House since 1997, according to Ballotpedia.

Many of Illinois' counties are Republican, but election results are dominated by Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, which are extremely Democratic, according to Fox News.

Democrat Gov. J.B. Pritzker was re-elected to serve a second term. He said in a tweet, "To the many Illinoisans who exercised their civic duty at the polls or by mail: Thank you for believing in our democracy. I serve ALL the people of Illinois and I look forward to working for you these next four years."