McLean County Times

Dennis Tipsword won the four-way GOP primary for state representative in the 105th district in Central Illinois.

He took to Facebook after his victory.

“We had a great election night watch party last night celebrating our win!" Tipsword said. "So many of these people were a huge part of my success and I thank you all for your support. I look forward to continuing to meet people throughout this district. Thank you ALL again for your votes and support!”

With 39% of the vote in a four-way race, Tipsword, chief deputy of the Woodford County Sheriff’s Department, won the GOP primary in the rural 105th House District in Central Illinois. He emphasized law enforcement and small business in his campaign, two areas he knows well. Tipsword is anticipating a relatively easy campaign in the fall because his district leans heavily Republican and because he predicts a red wave, according to NPR Illinois.

Also in the race are Mike Kirkton, CEO of his family business and a Livingston County board member, Kyle Ham, former executive director of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and Donald Ray Rients, of Benson, an analyst for State Farm, Chicago Tribune reported.

Tipsword opposes the SAFE-T ACT, signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last January. He told Matt Sheehan of Central Illinois Proud that the bill has been the “singular worst piece of legislation for law enforcement" at least in his 27-year career. As a small business owner himself, he vows to fight for small business owners. Having a mix of these jobs and experiences, Tipsword feels that he is the ideal candidate to fight for the hard-working people of Illinois.

The 105th district has an open seat as a result of the candidacy for the secretary of state position of Dan Brady, who is the incumbent in the district, according to Ballotpedia.