Following the 2018 midterm elections, Kendall County residents reviewed local races with close attention to turnout and candidate performance. The results reflected broader national trends while highlighting distinct priorities within this suburban-leaning county.
Election officials released certified results after canvassing and any provisional ballot counts were completed, providing the official data used below.
| Office | Winner | Party | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. House, 11th District | Bill Foster | Democratic | Retained seat; Kendall County trends split |
| Illinois Governor | J.B. Pritzker | Democratic | Won county narrowly; urban-rural split visible |
| Kendall County Sheriff | Rob Wolfe | Republican | Incumbent re-elected; public safety emphasis |
| Kendall County Board Chairman | Kevin Baugh | Republican | Continued leadership on zoning and growth |
| Illinois State Senate, District 42 | John Curran | Republican | Hold; Kendall County precincts contributed margin |
Federal Races in Kendall County 2018
National contests drew heightened engagement in Kendall County, with many voters splitting tickets between parties. The U.S. House 11th District race stood out as competitive locally despite a Democratic statewide environment.
Data from county canvassing boards showed distinct splits between urban precincts in Naperville and more rural townships, shaping overall margins. Turnout for federal races exceeded midterm averages seen in prior cycles.
Statewide Contests and Local Implications
Governor and Down-Ballot Impact
Illinois Governor and statewide judicial races influenced policy discussions affecting Kendall County schools, infrastructure funding, and property tax frameworks. Close county-level results prompted heightened engagement in campaign outreach.
Local referenda on ethics and transparency also appeared on ballots countywide, reflecting resident interest in governance oversight and public accountability measures.
Local Races and Ballot Measures
Sheriff, Board, and Drainage District Elections
Kendall County Sheriff and Board Chairman elections centered on public safety services, zoning balance, and growth management. Candidates outlined distinct approaches to road maintenance and emergency services coordination.
Drainage and road district ballot questions targeted flood resilience and township upkeep, with strong support reflecting local concerns about weather-related infrastructure stress.
Looking Ahead After 2018
- Track candidate follow-through on public safety and infrastructure promises in subsequent terms
- Monitor how zoning and growth decisions affect property values and community character
- Review turnout patterns in successive elections to gauge sustained engagement
- Assess implementation of ethics and transparency measures approved by voters
- Compare local outcomes with similar suburban counties for regional context
FAQ
Reader questions
Were any Kendall County races decided by a very narrow margin in 2018?
Yes, several local measures and school referenda passed by narrow margins, while county-level contests such as Board Chairman showed tight but decisive results.
How did voter turnout in Kendall County compare to previous midterms?
2018 turnout in Kendall County exceeded prior midterm levels, driven by heightened interest in national contests and competitive local races.
Which races were most competitive in Kendall County according to unofficial results?
The U.S. House 11th District and Illinois Governor races were closely watched, with unofficial results indicating competitive dynamics until canvassing concluded.
What policy themes emerged from 2018 results in Kendall County?
Voters emphasized fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, public safety, and transparency in governance when evaluating candidates and ballot measures.