Dupage Policy Journal

Niki Conforti, the Republican nominee for the U.S. House Illinois 6th Congressional District, has publicized the result of the Cook County State’s Attorney race via a Facebook post. A resident of Chicago, Conforti is set to compete against incumbent Democrat Sean Casten in the forthcoming general election.

"Eileen O'Neill Burke declared the winner of Cook County State's Attorney Democrat Primary," said Conforti, Republican Candidate for US Congres Illinois' Senate District 6, according to Facebook.

According to a report from ABC7 Eyewitness News, the Democratic candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney has been chosen. Eileen O’Neill Burke garnered 264,289 votes, outpacing her opponent Clayton Harris III who secured 262,733 votes.

Screenshot of Niki Conforti's March 29 Facebook post | Niki Conforti Facebook page

ABC7 reported on Friday night that Harris phoned O’Neill Burke to admit defeat in the election and stated that his campaign will not pursue a recount. The news outlet also cited a statement from O’Neill Burke: "While we may have had our differences in this election, we share a love for our beautiful city and Cook County. If I’ve learned anything during this process, it’s that there is so much more that unites us than what divides us."

Ballotpedia reveals that former Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx was elected in 2016 but chose not to run for re-election in the 2024 race. In November's general election, O’Neill Burke will face off against Republican contender Bob Fioretti and Libertarian challenger Andrew Charles Kopinski.

O’Neill Burke has vowed to abolish Foxx’s policy of refraining from prosecuting retail theft under $1,000 according to Ballotpedia. As a former prosecutor, defense attorney and judge, she says she is running due to crime rates.

A March 25 news report indicates that mail-in ballots were still being counted by the City of Chicago and Cook County which could determine the outcome of the race.
"This race remains close and it will remain close through this counting period. But ultimately, we do urge patience as we get through counting all the rest of the votes through April 2. When we have a low turnout, especially on Election Day, a lot more attention has to go to those vote-by-mail ballots," Bever, spokesperson for the Chicago Board of Elections, said in the March 25 ABC7 article.

On her campaign website, Conforti highlights her diverse background which includes experience as an energy consultant and a 12-year history in healthcare, specifically with large health systems. A graduate of the University of Chicago School of Economics and holder of an MBA in Healthcare Administration from George Washington University, Conforti is the daughter of an immigrant with a strong military tradition in her family. Beyond her political ambitions, Conforti’s dedication to her community and philanthropic efforts are clear. She is actively involved in various charitable initiatives through her church and supports organizations such as International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and Mothers2Mothers Charities.