Illinois’ legislative primaries had voters from Orland Park to Calumet City choosing between entrenched incumbents and political newcomers promising a fresh take on top issues from crime and property taxes to immigration and education.

In the 79th House District, which covers Hersher to University Park, Monee Township Trustee William “Billy” Morgan claimed victory over his two other Democratic opponents Tuesday morning.

Wednesday afternoon, the crowded primary had Morgan with 45.7% of the vote, according to estimates from The Associated Press. Roughly 94% of the votes have been reported.

“I want to thank my primary opponents … who poured their heart and soul into this race and the people of this district,” Morgan wrote in a statement.

If his victory is certified, he will face incumbent Republican Rep. Jackie Haas in November.

“The philosophy of this campaign is “everybody in, nobody left out.” Like you, I believe in hard work — let’s get this done in November,” Morgan added.

Haas and Morgan’s primary opponents could not be reached.

Other legislative candidates claimed victory or conceded Tuesday night.

“I am so proud to continue to serve the 35th district,” Democratic incumbent Mary Gill said in a text message. “I have a lot of plans for the coming years and I couldn’t be more grateful to all my supporters.”

AP reported she had 84% of the vote with 80% counted as of 9:45 p.m. This is the first election Gill has run. Last year, she was appointed to replace Fran Hurley who was tapped by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the Illinois Labor Relations Board.

Stretching from Orland Park through Alsip and Merrionette Park and into Beverly, the 35th District is home to a mixture of liberal and conservative voters. Gill touted her support for women’s reproductive rights while also sponsoring a bill that would allow for districts to bring back their school resource officer.

Democrat Thaddeus Jones also claimed victory in his primary for the skinny 29th House District that travels from Chatham down to Kankakee County.

“Tonight’s results clearly show that Tiffany Henyard’s alleged influence throughout Thornton Township is baseless and without merit,” said Jones in a statement.

His opponent, Gloria White, spent her career working as a payroll specialist. Jones said she was endorsed by the embattled Dolton mayor. White could not be reached.

Jones, who is also the mayor of Calumet City, led White with 72.6% of the vote and 86% reporting, AP estimated.

Only House District 36, which represents voters from Palos Hills to Beverly, didn’t have an incumbent following the retirement of Rep. Kelly Burke. Democrats Rick Ryan, an attorney, and Sonia Anne Khalil, who works for the city of Markham, face off against each other.

Khalil conceded just before 10 p.m. in a statement. Ryan had 57.4% of the vote with 76% reporting, according to AP.

“While we came up short today, I’m proud of this campaign and the message we sent that our community will not be taken for granted,” she wrote.

Ryan was at a loud party at 11 p.m. when he picked up the phone.

“Very happy with how everything turned out,” he said quickly before returning to the celebration.

Khalil criticized Ryan for being censured for mismanaging client funds while Ryan called Khalil inexperienced.

From Chicago Heights down to Kankakee, voters in the 40th Senate District faced a choice between incumbent Democrat Patrick Joyce and Kimberly Earling, who works in transportation.

Joyce was appointed to the seat in November 2019 to replace Sen. Toi Hutchinson, whom Gov. J.B. Pritzker picked to oversee the rollout of Illinois’ foray into legalized production and sales of recreational marijuana. Joyce won a full term in 2020.

Joyce had a large lead early in the night with 79% of the vote with 64% precincts reporting, AP reported. Genevra Walters, Robert Ellington-Snipes and Dylan Mill trailed with 37.3%, 11% and 6% of the vote total.

Senate District 19 has Democratic incumbent Michael Hastings waiting to see which Republican will challenge him for votes in the district spanning Matteson, Frankfort and Homer Glen in November. Three candidates are vying for the opportunity to advance.

The night’s first returns showed a dead heat between Samantha Jean Gasca, a data scientist, opera singer Hillary Mattsey Kurzawa and attorney Max Solomon. All said they are focused on immigration policy, lowering property taxes and promoting school choice. With 91% of votes reported, all three candidates have over 29% of the vote. Gasca had a narrow lead with 37% of the vote.

The other area House races had Democratic incumbents trying to fend off challengers while an unopposed Republican moves on.

Rep. Justin Slaughter is seeking reelection in the 27th Illinois House District with special education teacher Tawana “T.J.” Robinson in his way.

While they agreed crime is the No. 1 concern for their voters who are spread between Homer Glen and Orland Hills to Roseland, how they planned to fight crime differs. Slaughter is a vocal supporter for the SAFE-T Act, which abolished the use of cash bail, and he says seeks to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

Robinson, the daughter of a police officer, vowed to take a tough on crime approach if elected, promising to focus on banning military style assault weapons and automatic modifications.

“I share the vision of many of my constituents,” Robinson said in a February interview. “I’m a strategic visionary and leader who has the ability to garner support from all stakeholders … to make our vision manifest into a reality.”

Slaughter led Robinson early in the night with 71.4% of the vote and 73% reporting, AP reported.

The Daily Southtown’s Alexandra Kukulka and Mike Nolan and the Chicago Tribune’s Jeremy Gorner, Olivia Stevens and Oliva Olander contributed. Associated Press contributed.