Trotter wins Republican primary for Grundy County Circuit Clerk

MORRIS — Cheers erupted Tuesday night at the Morris Eagles Lodge as Republican Corri Trotter took the lead over challenger Karen Broncato, who has served as the chief deputy circuit clerk for 15 years.

Trotter's daughters, Syd and Ava hugged their mom and congratulated her as each precinct came in.

When all 40 precincts were reported, Trotter received 3,557 votes while Broncato received 3,374.

"I want to thank Karen Broncato for a race well run," Trotter said in a phone interview after the results were in. "Karen is a very qualified candidate and ran a very respectable race."

She said she is excited as she moves forward toward the November election where she will face Joan Harrop of Morris, who was the only Democrat candidate.

"I’m very proud to win this election for the Republican Party," Trotter said. "I am excited to move forward to the November general election. I’m ready to work hard."

The winner of the November election will fill the office of four-term Grundy County Circuit Clerk Karen Slattery, who announced in August 2015 that she would not run for re-election after 16 years in the position.

Trotter said one of her main priorities, if elected, is to create a seamless connection between the courts and those utilizing the courts through technology.

"Tonight we celebrated, tomorrow we start working toward the general election," Trotter said.