Massac County State’s Attorney Patrick Windhorst came out on top in a three-way battle in the GOP primary in the 118th House District and will go up against Rep. Natalie Phelps Finnie (D-Elizabethtown) in the November election.
“I am humbled to have received the support of my party and wish to thank everyone for their support, their tireless work for this campaign and most of all their prayers for our family,” Windhorst told the SE Illinois News.
The SW Illinois News reported Windhorst garnered approximately 60 percent of the vote to beat out GOP rivals Wes Sherrod and Samuel Stratemeyer in the Republican primary. Windhorst received 5,282 votes to 1,734 votes for Sherrod and 1,769 for Stratemeyer
Windhorst said without his family and supporters, his win would not have been possible; however, a little help from some friends definitely helped.
Going into the GOP primary, Windhorst, who resides in Metropolis, had won endorsements from Johnson County Board Commissioners Ernie Henshaw, Gary Brumley and Fred Meyer; Pulaski County Treasurer Robert Moore; and Pope County Sheriff Jerry Suits.
He said the win was the first step in moving southern Illinois forward.
“The general election for the 118th District will feature a stark contrast between a conservative outsider and another Madigan-Phelps machine candidate in Natalie Phelps Finnie,” Windhorst said, referring to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) and Brandon Phelps, who had vacated the 118th District seat to which his cousin, Natalie Phelps Finnie, was later appointed. “I’m confident the people of southern Illinois will reject the status quo and make the right choice.”
Windhorst ran his primary campaign on property tax reform and fiscal responsibility, two canons Springfield could benefit from.
“Together – with grit, determination and an unwavering faith in our ability to better our future, we will rebuild our home,” Windhorst said.
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