Rep. Patrick Windhorst | Facebook/State Representative Patrick Windhorst
Rep. Patrick Windhorst | Facebook/State Representative Patrick Windhorst
State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) won big over a primary challenger in the new 117th House District.
Windhorst, an incumbent, currently serves in the 118th House District but was remapped into the new district by state House Democrats.
“Thank you to the voters of the 117th District for your support and the great election results tonight!" Windhorst said on Facebook. "I am honored for the continued opportunity to represent Southern Illinois and be your voice in Springfield. Thank you to my family, supporters, volunteers and team for their hard work and dedication throughout this primary cycle.”
Windhorst won the race handily with a 3-to-1 vote count advantage over Ron Ellis, WSIU reported. Ellis congratulated Windhorst and hoped for him "lots of success in Springfield representing the 117th."
"Because if he has success, then the region will also," Ellis said.
Windhorst, a former Massac County state's attorney, noted that the state’s priority should be to retain its citizens. He is also in favor of shoring up law enforcement efforts.
“We need to make sure law enforcement and courts have the tools they need to do their jobs, the appropriate tools to deal with those who break the law,” he said, according to KFVS 12.
The Chicago Tribune endorsed Williamson County Board commissioner Ellis over Windhorst noting Williamson County’s approach to jobs and economics.
Windhorst also understands that the creation of more jobs is vital.
"Illinois must be competitive with surrounding states by becoming more business friendly," his campaign reads. "Cutting burdensome regulations, reforming our worker’s compensation system and creating a comprehensive economic development strategy for our region is the only way to improve Illinois’ economy."
Serving his second and current term representing the 118th district, he serves on Appropriations – Human Services, Ethics and Elections, Judiciary – Civil, Judiciary – Criminal, Restorative Justice and Sentencing, Penalties and Criminal committees.
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