Cook County Commissioner Fritchey loses, while Boykin lags in tight race

Two-term incumbent Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey lost his bid for re-election Tuesday while fellow his fellow commissioner, Richard Boykin, was behind in a tight race.

Fritchey, a two-term Democratic incumbent, garnered about 45 percent of the vote with about 89 percent of precincts reporting, with attorney Bridget Degnen getting about 55 percent.

In a tweet relaying a message he sent to Degnen, Fritchey said, “I just wanted to say congratulations. You have the opportunity to do some great things for a lot of people, I hope you use it well.

In a statement to her supporters, Degnen thanked Fritchey for his years as a commissioner and “as a fellow parent” dedicated to making the 12th District safer.

“I look forward to advocating for creative solutions to closing our budget deficit, protecting healthcare for all and placing my full attention on the need of our district,” Degnen said in a statement.

A lot of money was pumped into the race for the seat representing the North Side — the American Beverage Association was one of the major contributors to Fritchey’s campaign, while Degnen’s camp received money from major unions like the Chicago Federation of Labor, as well from marijuana industry executives and industries, an area she used to help regulate with the state.

Another incumbent, Commissioner Richard Boykin, D-Oak Park, was facing a tough challenge as well. With 92 percent of the precincts reporting in the 1st District, he was running behind his opponent, Chicago Teacher’s union organizer Brandon Johnson, by a few hundred votes. Johnson had 50.4 percent of the votes to 49.6 percent for Boykin. Johnson had heavy support from organized labor and was also endorsed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

In open races, Alma Anaya, who is running to take Jesus “Chuy” Garcia’s 7th District seat, won with 57 percent of votes, with about 90 percent of precincts reporting. Anaya is a longtime aide to Garcia. Angie Sandoval, who is the daughter of state Sen. Martin Sandoval, has the support of longtime Democratic party stalwarts, conceded after getting about 43 percent of the vote.

Anaya said she was excited to take over her mentor’s seat and plans to make sure the Cook County Health and Hospitals System continues to be a safety net for immigrant families.

In the south suburban 6th District, Patricia Joan Murphy, daughter of late Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy, lagged behind Donna Miller, a healthcare industry consultant.

With 93 percent of precincts reporting, Murphy, had about 40 percent of the vote, while Miller had about 44 percent. Crestwood Mayor Louis Presta was in third place with 16 percent of the vote.