Incumbent Michael Madigan will continue to serve as the state representative for the 22nd district, as he has for more than 40 years.
Madigan beat out three Democratic challengers vying for the spot during Tuesday’s primary election, according to unofficial results from the Associated Press.
He has served as state representative for the 22nd district since 1971 and Speaker of the House since 1983, with the exception of two years.
Throughout Illinois' current budget stalemate, Madigan has been one of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s staunchest opponents.
Madigan beat out opponents Jason Gonzales, Joe Barboza and Grasiela Rodriguez.
Gonzales, a political newcomer with a checkered past who hoped to unseat one of Illinois' most powerful politicians, focused his campaign largely on closing the funding gap in public schools and increasing funding for higher education and job training programs.
After dropping out of school in his teens and spending two months in jail for the unlawful use of credit cards, Gonzales reenrolled in high school and eventually graduated from Duke, MIT and Harvard.
Both Barboza and Rodriguez were included on the primary ballot but did not actively campaign for the election. Neither candidate has a website or committee information.
