Patrick Hanley Elected To State Senate In 9th District: AP

WILMETTE, IL — With all precincts reporting, Democrat Patrick Hanley declared victory in the race for State Senator in Illinois' 9th District.

The Associated Press called the race in Hanley's favor shortly after 8 p.m. According to Evanston Now, Hanley thanked supporters and said the win was an honor at the New Trier Democrats election night party at Pit & Tap in Wilmette.

Hanley led the polls by a landslide with 90 percent of votes counted by 10:30 p.m. Hanley secured 60,963 votes, ahead by more than 45,000 votes. Hanley's Republican opponent Tom Lally had gotten 14,534 votes by 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The seat had been represented by Sen. Laura Fine since 2019. Fine did not seek reelection, instead unsuccessfully running for the 9th Congressional District seat in the March primary.

Illinois' 9th Senate District encompasses part of northern Cook County and includes all or portions of Chicago, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth, Morton Grove, Niles, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette and Winnetka.

Hanley campaigned on a platform of affordability, healthcare, public education and safety.

Formerly a small business owner and political organizer, Hanley said he was inspired to run as a lifetime resident of the district to preserve stability and opportunities for people who live there.

Hanley's list of priorities includes standing up to President Donald Trump, opposing ICE, supporting clean energy and investing in public education institutions. In office, Hanley said he aims to strengthen gun regulations, protect the LGBTQ+ community and address what he describes as an affordability crisis affecting taxes, utility bills, childcare, housing and healthcare prices.

Hanley and 38 other senators will be sworn in at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Jan. 13.

Find all of Illinois Patch's 2026 election coverage here.