Affordability Dominates Lake County Campaigns as Nov. 3 Election Nears, With Turnout Possibly Climbing

Leaders of Lake County's Democratic and Republican parties agree that affordability is the central issue heading into the Nov. 3 federal, state and local elections, though they blame different causes for the financial strain on voters.

Republican officials Dawn Abernathy, chair of the Lake County Republican Central Committee, and Keith Brin, the GOP State Central Committee person for the 10th Congressional District, said residents struggle to make ends meet because of heavy taxation. "The state of Illinois is one of the most heavily taxed states in the country, between income taxes, property taxes, gas taxes and tons of other taxes," Brin said.

Democrats point elsewhere. County Democratic Chair Daniel Didech and Lauren Beth Gash, chair of the 10th Congressional District Democrats, said President Donald Trump's policies are driving up living costs. "Voters in Lake County have been paying the price for President Trump's tariff policy and the war on Iran," Didech said.

Lake County voters will choose a governor and four other statewide officeholders, a U.S. senator, their congressional representative, members of the Illinois General Assembly and county officials. County Clerk Anthony Vega said voter attitudes could produce record turnout across Election Day, early voting and mail voting. "There are a lot of issues voters care about, from affordability to taxes to data centers," he said. "We may have a higher turnout than usual for a midyear election."

Vega said a 60% turnout would not surprise him. Four years ago, 49.77% of eligible voters cast ballots, while turnout in the November 2024 presidential election reached 70.06% of registered voters.

Voting logistics are changing slightly this year. Mail-in ballots can be returned at any of more than 90 polling places on Election Day, each of which will have a drop box, which Vega said removes any risk of an improper postmark. Early voting begins Sept. 24 at the Lake County Courthouse & Administration Center lobby in Waukegan, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and expands to 17 other locations on Oct. 19. Vote-by-mail ballots will be accepted starting Sept. 24.

Among the most competitive races are two in the county's southwest. State Sen. Darby Hills, R-Barrington Hills, is defending her seat against state Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Palatine. State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, faces a rematch with Democrat Maria Peterson of North Barrington; McLaughlin won by 47 votes in 2024.

A County Board seat in District 9 became open after the June 23 death of Board Vice Chair Mary Ross Cunningham, allowing both parties to name candidates. Democrat Brandon Ewing, a former Waukegan school board president and current Waukegan Planning & Zoning Commission member, faces Republican Jorge Sanchez, a business owner who has lived in the county for over 40 years. Gash called Ewing a strong candidate, while Abernathy said the Hispanic-majority district makes the race winnable for Republicans.

In congressional contests, Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, defends the 10th District against Republican Carl Lambrecht and write-in candidates. In the 9th District, Democrat Daniel Biss and Republican Jon Elleson are vying to succeed retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Countywide, Board Chair Sandy Hart, a Democrat, faces Republican David Panaherrera for treasurer, a post Holly Kim is leaving, and Sheriff John D. Idleburg, a Democrat, is challenged by Republican Roman Buchburger.

Voters will also decide nine referendums. The only countywide question is a proposed 1% sales tax to help Lake County public schools pay for infrastructure projects, school resource officers and mental health professionals.