West Cook News

Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison said he defeated Democratic challenger Daniel Calandriello to win re-election to represent Cook County's 17th district.

"First, let me thank the voters of the 17th District for their strong support of my re-election and for acknowledging my record of fighting for fiscal responsibility, strong public safety measures, and improving the quality of life for the residents and families of the 17th District," Morrison said in a statement posted on his website. "I look forward to serving the residents of the Cook County 17th District for the next four years and I look forward to continuing to work to solve the issues facing our county, and representing residents as a common sense, independent voice." 

Morrison was one of two Republicans on the Cook County Board, and the other, Peter Silvestri, did not seek re-election, WTTW reported. Republican Matt Podgorski hoped to take Silvestri's place representing the 9th district, and as of the day after the election Podgorski held a narrow lead over Democrat Maggie Trevor, but the final result was not in.

Morrison, who was first elected in 2015, defeated Elizabeth Doody Gorman in the June primary before facing Daniel Calandriello in the general election, according to Ballotpedia.

Morrison is one of 17 Cook County Commissioners who make up the Board of Commissioners, which is headed by Democrat Toni Preckwinkle. Morrison represents the 17th district, which is home to around 300,000 residents.

Morrison is focused on fighting the county's "tax and spend" policies, working to reduce government costs and provide tax relief, according to his website. He wrote the 2017 ordinance that repealed the Cook County Sweetened Beverage (Soda) Tax, and he has also successfully defeated proposals to increase the gasoline tax and cable tax.