Illinois 2016 General Election Overview
The Illinois 2016 general election took place on November 8, 2016, with statewide offices decided alongside the presidential contest. The Illinois State Board of Elections reported final certified results for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and other statewide races. Hillary Clinton won Illinois in the presidential race, but the down-ballot contests shaped the state's executive branch for the following four years. The board's official portal provides the full certified abstract of votes cast for all statewide candidates.
Voter turnout across Illinois reflected a competitive national environment, with urban centers like Chicago driving high participation rates. Suburban counties shifted notably, influencing the margin in the governor's race. The certified results included detailed breakdowns by county, showing strong Democratic margins in Cook County and competitive margins in collar counties. The final canvass is available through the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
Key Statewide Race Results
In the governor's race, Republican Bruce Rauner defeated Democratic challenger J.B. Pritzker, though the margin was closer than many expected. Rauner campaigned on fiscal reform, term limits, and right-to-work policies, while Pritzker emphasized education funding and healthcare access. The lieutenant governor's race was also closely watched, with Democrat Juliana Stratton winning the office. The Illinois Board of Elections provides the official vote totals for each candidate in these races.
The attorney general's race saw Democrat Kwame Raoul win the office, succeeding Lisa Madigan. Raoul focused on consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and environmental enforcement. The comptroller's race was also decided, with Democrat Susana Mendoza retaining the post. These outcomes gave Democrats a sweep of the state's top executive offices, despite the Republican win in the governor's mansion.
Ballot Measures and Legislative Races
Illinois voters considered several ballot measures in 2016, including a proposed constitutional convention and graduated income tax discussions. Voters rejected the call for a constitutional convention, maintaining the existing framework for state governance. The Illinois General Assembly races also saw significant turnover, with Democrats maintaining majorities in both chambers. The State Board of Elections publishes detailed results for all legislative districts.
Local judicial races and county-level contests were also part of the 2016 election landscape. Circuit court and appellate court races determined the composition of the state judiciary for years to come. The Illinois State Board of Elections provides a comprehensive database of all election results, including precinct-level data for transparency. For deeper analysis of the financial implications of these outcomes, the Illinois Policy Institute offers research on fiscal impacts.