(The Center Square) – The Democratic primary election for Cook County State’s Attorney is still too close to call.
Eileen O’Neill Burke has 51% of the vote to Clayton Harris’ 49% with 99% of precincts reporting. Burke said Tuesday night that she’s cautiously optimistic.
“While we cannot declare a victory yet, I know that every single assistant state’s attorney past or present knows that feeling of pride when they stand up in court and say, I am here on behalf of the people of the state of Illinois,” Burke said.
Thousands of mail-in ballots still need to be counted.
Burke is leading Harris by less than 10,000 votes with 99% of precincts reporting. Harris is trailing, but he is not conceding.
“While the votes are still coming in, we have to make sure and we will make sure that every voice is counted and every voice is heard,” Harris said.
Harris was endorsed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Chicago’s Teachers Union. He has also aligned himself with outgoing State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who chose to not seek reelection.
Burke argued that the state’s attorney’s office has a mission to represent victims.
“We want less crime and safer communities,” Burke said.
The winner of the race between Burke and Harris will face Republican Bob Fioretti and Libertarian Andrew Charles Kopinski in the General Election Nov. 5. Fioretti ran unopposed in the GOP primary.
