Demmer takes strong lead in 90th District, Ogle County results delayed

DIXON – State Rep. Tom Demmer is positioned to win his fifth term in office.

The Dixon Republican received 19,571 votes and Democratic challenger Seth Wiggins had 11,014, according to unofficial Election Day results in Lee, DeKalb and La Salle counties. Ogle County's results for the 90th District race will be delayed because tabulators did not read the oval marks correctly and will re-tabulate ballots Thursday.

Those unofficial tallies also include early votes and the mail-in ballots received so far.

Demmer, 34, is the Deputy House Republican Leader, and is also director of innovation and strategy at KSB Hospital in Dixon. He said the turnout looked strong across the board and was pleased with the numbers.

"I really appreciate anybody willing to entrust me with their vote. It's an honor every time," he said.

He received 64.88% in Lee, 70.32% in La Salle and 60.09% in DeKalb counties, according to the preliminary results. Demmer said he's looking forward to Ogle County making sure votes are tallied properly and that every vote counts.

After the dust of the election settles, there won't be a period of rest, he said. Legislators need to hit the ground running, especially with the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We have to try to work with opportunities and challenges as they arise," he said.

Wiggins, 33, of Dixon and Amboy, comes from an agricultural and law enforcement family, served in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years, and is an associate attorney at the Law Office of Allison B. Fagerman in Rock Falls.

"This was a very humbling and inspiring season for me and my family," he said. "I'm incredibly grateful no matter how it plays out."

Wiggins was pleased early on as the numbers were close, but then they dipped. He anticipated stronger numbers in his home county of Lee but said he will need to re-strategize on his next run.

It was his first go at public office, and it won't be his last as he sees civic duty as a necessary responsibility.

"It's always been important for me to be something bigger than myself, and I think public service is the best way to do that," he said.