Roscoe's Nolley Falls in Congressional Bid; Caruana Wins Re-Election as Sheriff

Voters headed to the polls Tuesday for the November 3, 2026 General Election, casting ballots in races that will shape local, county, state, and federal government for the next several years.

Among the night's most closely watched contests, incumbent Gov. J.B. Pritzker secured another term, defeating Republican challenger Darren Bailey in a rematch of the 2022 gubernatorial election. Illinois voters also selected a successor to retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, with Democratic candidate Juliana Stratton emerging victorious in the race for the U.S. Senate seat.

One of the area's local connections to the federal ballot came in the 16th Congressional District, where Roscoe resident Paul Nolley challenged incumbent U.S. Representative Darin LaHood. Voters ultimately returned LaHood to Washington, giving the veteran congressman another term representing the district. For Nolley, the race marked a high-profile effort to bring a local Stateline voice to Congress, though the incumbent maintained a decisive advantage on Election Day. Democratic Congressman Eric Sorensen retained his position representing the 17th Congressional District.

State legislative races also produced familiar outcomes. Republican Dave Syverson prevailed in the 35th Illinois Senate District, while Republican Andrew Chesney was successful in the 45th Senate District race. In the Illinois House, Democrat Dave Vella held onto the 68th District seat and Republican Joe Sosnowski won re-election in the 69th District.

Locally, the race for Winnebago County Sheriff attracted significant attention throughout the campaign season. Incumbent Sheriff Gary Caruana defeated independent challenger Dominick Barcellona, earning another term as the county's top law enforcement official. During the campaign, Caruana emphasized continuing initiatives implemented during his tenure, including the use of body-worn cameras and ongoing modernization efforts within the Sheriff's Office.

Winnebago County voters also selected representatives for several county board districts. According to election results, Chad Bryden won the County Board District 8 race, David Peyton prevailed in District 10, and Burt Gerl was victorious in District 15.

In races for the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District Board, voters elected commissioners from a field of candidates that included Cheryl Maggio, Jeff Tilly, Eric Johnson, and George Kallstrom.

Election officials continued tabulating ballots throughout the evening, with unofficial results posted as returns were received. Results remain unofficial until canvassed and certified in accordance with Illinois election law.