McLean County Times

District 91 House Republican candidate Scott Preston lost to Democrat Sharon Chung. 

Preston has issued his statement of conceding to Chung on Facebook. He noted that "What appears to be one of the tightest swing races in IL, and among the most expensive, is now behind us." Preston called Chung and congratulated her "on a hard-fought win, wishing her the best in the state house.” 

“300 days ago, Ali and I made the decision sitting at our kitchen table that I’d run for state rep," Preston said on Facebook. "We knew then the odds were not in our favor in this new Dem-leaning district. And we knew we’d be considerably outspent (3-to-1). But Team Preston took to the streets, and knocked more doors engaging with more voters in person than any other legislative race in the entire state this cycle (either party). From Bloomington to Bartonville, and everywhere in between, I’m so proud of the positive, substantive campaign we ran. All was left on the field.”  

He underscored that “Campaigns are about people, and real issues that impact daily life." Preston also said that meeting and engaging with so many of the people around Central IL was a unique opportunity he had this year and it "has been inspiring, and I’m better for it." 

"To the hundreds of you who gave your time, talents, and investment into our race- Thank You." Preston said. "This was your campaign as much as it was mine, I’m honored to have been your candidate. To the 49% of you 91st voters who entrusted me with your vote- Thank You. I am grateful for your support and confidence. And to those of you who live in Normal, I’ll continue fighting for you on Council from here. 

Preston now looks forward to spending more time with his wife and son, "celebrating all of his 'firsts' as we head into the holidays, and continuing to serve our community however we can.” 

"Most importantly, I am beyond thankful for my wife Ali. Politics is a family diagnosis. Ali has been my better half (< understatement) for nearly 7 years, my biggest supporter, and the best life partner I could ask for (not to mention the best mama to baby Jack). 

As of the most recent count, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Preston received 17,248 votes, or 48% of the total, while Chung received 18,706 votes, or 52%. Preston led Chung by a slim margin earlier in the day, but the mail-in ballots, which tend to favor the Democrats, flipped the lead to Chung late in the evening.

The seat attracted outside funding from Democrats who via a newly drawn district map were able to give Democrats an advantage to flip the area from Republican to Democrat, according to WGLT.

Earlier in the campaign, Preston claimed that Chung backed raising taxes on Illinois residents and stated that if elected, she would reinstate the tax increase, The Pantagraph reported. He noted that Chung talked about how she would love to see that tax fight happen moving forward and "We can't let that happen in central Illinois or Bloomington-Normal. The ramifications are too big and we have to put people over the politics of the day in our opponent's progressive politics."