Rockford, Ill. – The Associated Press has projected that incumbent State Senator Dave Syverson will retain his seat in the Illinois Senate representing the 35th District. The race was exceptionally close, with the final vote count showing a margin of about 1,400 votes between the two candidates.
Vote totals and reporting progress
According to the latest AP election data, Syverson has amassed 43,696 votes while challenger Sarah Mertens trails with 42,246 votes. The AP estimates that 96.3% of the ballots have been counted. Independent verification by Rockford News First, which gathered unofficial results from all election authorities in the district, reported a similar picture at 2 p.m. on November 13: Syverson with 43,728 votes and Mertens with 42,306 votes.
Geographic scope of the district
The 35th District encompasses portions of five counties in northern Illinois: Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, Kane and McHenry. The district includes a mix of suburban and rural communities, with Rockford serving as the largest urban center within its boundaries.
Post‑election timeline
While the AP’s projection signals a clear winner, the official certification of the results will come from the Illinois State Board of Elections. The board typically completes certification several weeks after the election, after confirming that all absentee, provisional and mail‑in ballots have been processed and any required recounts are finished.
Implications for the district
Senator Syverson, a Republican, has served the 35th District since 2005. His continued tenure means that the district will maintain its current representation in the state Senate, where he has focused on issues such as economic development, infrastructure investment and support for local schools. Mertens, a Democrat, campaigned on expanding access to health care and strengthening environmental protections. Though she fell short, the narrow margin underscores a competitive political environment in the district.
What voters can expect next
Residents can anticipate that Senator Syverson will return to Springfield for the upcoming legislative session, where he will work on the state budget and a slate of bills affecting northern Illinois. Constituents who wish to engage with their senator can contact his district office in Rockford or attend upcoming town‑hall meetings scheduled for early 2027.
For more detailed precinct‑by‑precinct results, readers can visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website or consult local news outlets that continue to track the final certification process.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
