Ives scores third term in 42nd House

Republican state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton will return to Springfield for a third term after voters in the 42nd District re-elected her Tuesday.

Ives beat Democratic challenger Kathleen Carrier of Carol Stream by claiming 32,333 votes - or 61 percent - compared with Carrier's 20,639 votes or 39 percent, according to unofficial results with all 114 precincts reporting.

Ives, a 51-year-old full-time state representative, says her first priority will be reforming pensions to get the state's finances in order.

"My big focus next year is really going to be on pension reform," said Ives, a West Point graduate and former Wheaton City Council member who first was elected to the state House in 2012. "Until we solve that issue, we can't ask for any new money from any voter because they know it's going into a broken system."

Ives will continue to represent the 42nd District, which includes all or parts of Wheaton, Winfield, Carol Stream, Warrenville, Lisle, West Chicago, Naperville and Woodridge. She said voters have come to trust that she'll stand up for them "every chance I can" and make sure state spending is transparent, fair and accountable.

In her bid for re-election, Ives beat Carrier, a 60-year-old first-time candidate who said she's tired of watching the state struggle financially and make cuts that hurt people with disabilities, seniors and working families. Carrier said she would have brought a collaborative approach and a willingness to dive right into tough issues.