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Illinois: Democrat Kelly Wins Special Election to Replace Jackson

Kelly won a first term on Tuesday in the special election to replace Jackson. (Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Kelly won a first term on Tuesday in the special election to replace Jackson. (Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Cook County Chief Administrative Officer Robin Kelly won the special election to replace former Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. on Tuesday.

Kelly, a Democrat, defeated Republican Paul McKinley, 89 percent to 6.6 percent, with 19.8 percent of precincts reporting, according to The Associated Press.

Her victory came as no surprise. The 2nd District is heavily Democratic and Kelly had minimal opposition in the general election. McKinley is a convicted felon, according to numerous news outlets.

(See also in Roll Call: Obama Endorses Robin Kelly in Special Election (Finally))

Kelly’s real political test came in the February primary, which she also won by a landslide. She defeated a large field of candidates, including former Democratic Rep. Debbie Halvorson.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg took partial credit for Kelly’s win after his super PAC spent $2 million on ads boosting her. Kelly’s support for gun control legislation prompted the super PAC’s support.

(Read more about gun control legislation in Roll Call: Reid Kicks Off Gun Debate With Emotional Swipe at Republicans)

Jackson, a Democrat, resigned from Congress last November amid an ongoing investigation.

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