US election results 2024: Illinois stays blue as Kamala Harris claims victory

US vice president Kamala Harris has secured a decisive victory in Illinois, capturing the state’s 19 electoral votes and continuing the Democratic Party's stronghold in the region. Illinois, historically a reliable blue state, has supported Democratic presidential candidates since 1992, and Harris' win ensures that tradition remains intact. The Associated Press declared her the winner at 8:38 pm EST on Tuesday.

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Illinois’ support for Harris was expected, as the state is home to former President Barack Obama, an important figure in her political career. Her win strengthens her position in the party and brings President Joe Biden closer to securing a second term.

In local Congressional races, incumbents from both major parties held their ground. Democrat Danny Davis secured re-election to represent Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, while Republicans Darin LaHood and Mary Miller won re-election in the state’s 16th and 15th districts, respectively. LaHood, who has represented the 16th District since 2015, ran unopposed, while Miller, who has been in Congress since 2020, also ran uncontested.