Democrat Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant declared victory over Republican Nick Ficarello in the race to become the next Will County executive.

Bertino-Tarrant earned about 53.9% of the vote compared to Ficarello's 46% on election night.

"I do not take lightly the fact that I am entering office in unprecedented times and in the middle of a public health crisis," Bertino-Tarrant said in a statement. "My number one priority is to get to work rebuilding our economy and getting our residents and businesses back on their

feet in every neighborhood in this county."

Bertino Tarrant, D-Shorewood, serves as the state senator for the 49th District and previously served as the Will County regional superintendent.

In Springfield, she's focused on education issues and chairs the Education Committee.

Ficarello has had a long career in law enforcement and most recently served as the chief of police in Braidwood.

Other Democratic candidates held solid leads over their Republican opponents.

Coroner

Democrat Laurie Summers held the lead over Republican James Piacentini in the race to be the next Will County coroner on Tuesday night.

Summers had about 55.4% of the vote with Piacentini earning about 44.3%.

The candidates were running to replace former longtime Will County Coroner Patrick K. O'Neil, a Democrat.

Summers served on the Will County Board representing District 1 until she left in 2019 for a job as a deputy chief coroner.

Piacentini serves as a Crete Township trustee overseeing issues related to mosquitoes and youth.

Zohaib Khan also ran as a write-in candidate.

Circuit Clerk

Democratic incumbent Andrea Lynn Chasteen led Republican challenger Anthony Granata in the race for Will County circuit clerk on Tuesday night.

Chasteen had about 54.6% of the vote compared to Granata's 45.4%.

Chasteen first was elected to her office in 2016. Granata previously served as a commissioner on the Frankfort Square Park District board.

County Auditor

Democratic incumbent Duffy Blackburn held the lead on election night over his Republican challenger James Buiter.

Blackburn had about 53.6% of the vote, with Buiter earning around 46.4%.

Blackburn has served as the county auditor since 2008 and was named Illinois County Auditor of the year in 2011.

Buiter serves as the Crete Township clerk and has a career as an independent financial adviser and certified public accountant.

Recorder of Deeds

Democratic incumbent Karen Stukel held a lead over Republican Gretchen Fritz in the race for county recorder of deeds on election night.

Stukel held the lead over Fritz by a margin of about 54.8% to 45.2%

Stukel was running for her fourth term as the Will County recorder of deeds. During her tenure, she's focused on making technological improvements in the office.

Fritz is a Will County Board member and has represented District 5 since 2014.