State Rep. Camille Lilly (78th) won handily in last Tuesday’s March 20 Democratic Primary.
Though voter turnout this election season was low, Lilly managed to win reelection by roughly 6500 votes against challenger Michael Nardello. An hour and half after polls closed, Lilly held a commanding lead over Nardello in the contest. She led most of the night, increasing her totals as precinct results rolled in. By night’s end, Lilly had roughly 8,600 votes to Nardello’s tally of about 2,100.
Lilly’s campaign night headquarters was in Oak Park, at Maya del Sol Restaurant, 144 S. Oak Park Ave. Lilly was scheduled to arrive around 7 p.m. that evening but was still making the rounds at polling places before arriving just after 8 p.m. Her family, friends and supporters began gathering at Maya del Sol earlier that evening. About 100 people packed into a private area in the restaurant to celebrate Lilly’s win. She soon arrived, joined by state Sen. Don Harmon, who ran unopposed this year.
Lilly credited her win to reaching out to the people in her district.
“Meeting the people, really listening to what their concerns are, and being optimistic that we can get some things addressed, not all at one time,” she said.
Lilly added that the budget was going to be her top priority in the next legislative session. Harmon agreed. Concerning Lilly’s win, the senator credited the victory to her “hard work both in Springfield and campaign trail.”
“I’m thrilled that she’ll be my partner in Springfield for the next two years,” Harmon said.
Lilly, an Austin resident, is a founding member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce and its former executive director. She’s also a longtime administrator at Loretto Hospital in Austin. Lilly is a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School. She was appointed 78th District state rep in 2010. Lilly spent the Monday before last week’s election campaigning across her district. She also greeted voters at the Oak Park Avenue Green Line Monday evening.