Republican Jacque Dare was elected Knox County coroner last night with 56% of the vote.
Democrat Doug Sampson did better than Dare within Galesburg in the coroner race, but Dare made up for it elsewhere in the county, winning by more than 2,600 votes.
Dare has been a patrol officer for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. She will replace Democrat Mark Thomas, who did not seek reelection. Thomas had served as coroner since 1998.
Coroner was the only contested countywide office race in Knox County. Republican Ashley Worby ran uncontested as State’s Attorney, earning her first term, while Republican Mary Ostrander ran unopposed for circuit clerk. This is Ostrander’s first time elected to the position after being appointed to it in 2022.
Republicans also did well in county board races outside of Galesburg. Republican Josh Kramer retained his seat in District 4, defeating Democrat challenger Oscar Riley Jr. with 70% of the vote.
In District 5, incumbent Republicans Ricardo "Rick" Sandoval and Patty Boone held on to their seats, defeating Democrat Paul Steenis. Sandoval and Boone won 47% and 35% of the vote respectively.
Democrats fared better in the city of Galesburg, but still lost a seat to Republicans, who will now have a 9 to 6 majority on the board.
In the District 1 race, Democrat Tracy Robertson beat Republican Fred McGunnigal with 52% of the vote to replace Democrat Amanda Smith.
Democrat Erin Pugh was reelected to District 2 in a four-way race for two seats. Pugh won 30% of the vote.
Also winning a seat in District 2 was Republican Jennifer Frederick, who nabbed 24% of the vote. She will replace Democrat Greg Bacon, who did not seek reelection.
Pugh and Frederick edged out Democrat David Amor and Republican Brent Zhorne in the District 2 race.
In District 3, incumbent Democrat Kimberly Thierry beat Republican Sam Larson with 58% of the vote.
