Democratic challenger John Spears has edged out a narrow win over appointed Republican Judge Frank Ierulli for a judicial seat in Peoria County.
Spears had 63 more votes than the incumbent after the final tally was completed. The Tazewell County public defender consistently ran ahead of Ierulli, but his lead widened as additional mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day and provisional ballots continued to be counted ahead of the November 19 deadline to close the count out.
The margin was still close enough that Ierulli could pay the Peoria County Election Commission to recount the votes. He would have to request that recount within the next five days. But only a court order could actually change the results.
Ierulli was appointed in 2022 to the at-large judicial seat vacated by Judge Michael Risinger. He served previously as an associate judge since 2016.
Spears' win cements a night of wins for Peoria County Democrats in contested races countywide amid an election where the national political winds blew decisively for Republicans. Democrat Jodi Hoos won another term as Peoria County State's Attorney, and the party expanded its county board majority to 12-8.
