Election 2026: Illinois Senate District 35 too close to call

The race for Illinois Senate District 35 remains too close to call, with Democrat Sarah B. Mertens holding a narrow lead of fewer than 1,000 votes over incumbent Republican Dave Syverson. With 85% of the vote counted, the contest highlights competing visions for state funding, property taxes, and healthcare. Syverson has served in the Senate since 1993, while Mertens is a teacher and community activist.