Newman elected in 3rd Congressional District

Democrat Marie Newman will be the congresswoman in the 3rd Congressional District.

Newman had 53 percent of the vote in the contest to replace Rep. Dan Lipinski, who has represented the district since 2005. She had a 15,430-vote lead over Republican Mike Fricilone with 99% of the precincts counted.

Newman, a businesswoman from La Grange, defeated Lipinski, D-Western Springs, in the March primary election. She's run on progressive policy positions including advocating for a single payer health care system, a $15 minimum wage and paid family leave.

Fricilone, a Republican Will County Board member from Homer Glen, tried to paint Newman as a far left candidate, frequently referring to her as a "socialist." He sought to attract more moderate voters throughout the district who may have voted for Lipinski, a relatively conservative Democrat.

Newman has argued her positions are practical and resonate with the "savvy" voters of the 3rd District.

Amid calls for police reform following high-profile shootings by officers of Black Americans, Fricilone made a point to court the support of police union groups in the district. He touted the endorsement of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7.

The FOP and Fricilone accused Newman of supporting defunding police departments without evidence. While Newman has called for police reforms, including more community oversight, she has not argued for defunding departments.

The 3rd Congressional District includes portions of Crest Hill, Homer Glen, Lemont, Lockport, Romeoville and extends to the southwest side of Chicago.