This year’s midterm election saw big gains for Republicans across the country, including Illinois, where republicans took control of the governor’s mansion for the first time since 2003. 

In Illinois’ gubernatorial race, Republican businessman Bruce Rauner defeated incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn by a four-point margin of victory.

“This is a historic time in Illinois,” Rauner said to a crowd of supporters on election night. “The voters have spoken. The voters have asked for a divided government. For the first time, we will have a Republican governor and a Democratic legislature.” 

Since being elected governor, Rauner has named University Chancellor Phyllis Wise and Trustee Ed McMillan as members of his transition committee. They will assist the governor-elect in identifying problems facing Illinois and work to devise solutions. Both expressed enthusiasm to work with the new governor. 

Ballot Measures

Illinois voters considered three state advisory questions and two constitutional amendments comprised of an increase to the minimum wage, protections for minority voting rights, prescription birth control coverage, an expansion of crime victims’ legal rights and an amendment to the Illinois constitution to provide additional funding to public schools through a 3 percent tax increase on income greater than $1 million. 

An increase to the state’s minimum wage from $8.25 to $10 voted favorably by 66.5 percent of Illinois voters and 63.5 percent of voters signed off on the “millionaire’s tax.”

The Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights passed with 78 percent of the vote. The referendum amends the Illinois constitution to expand the existing legal rights of the state’s crime victims, and allow victims to enforce these rights in the court system.