Appointed state Rep. Nicole La Ha, R-Homer Glen, sought to win a full term to her southwest suburban state House seat Tuesday, hoping to defeat Democratic challenger Suzanne Akhras and help Illinois Republicans avoid losing more ground in Springfield.
La Ha — a former dental hygienist, Homer Glen trustee and Mrs. America crown winner — was appointed last year to replace former House Republican Leader Jim Durkin in the 82nd District that runs from Western Springs southwest to Lemont.
Voters in the district supported former President Donald Trump in his first two White House bids, as well as far-right GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey in 2022.
La Ha raised more than $200,000 to hold onto the seat, with about $90,000 coming from Illinois Republican Party leadership, plus major support from the Fraternal Order of Police and the 613 PAC, a group that supports “the advancement of Orthodox Judaism,” records show.
Akhras, founder of the nonprofit Syrian Community Network, focused on abortion rights and community safety in her campaign, which raised more than $145,000 — but didn’t get help from the state party.
La Ha, who advocates for children with disabilities, called abortion “an important topic,” but said voters in the district are more concerned with bloated government spending and property tax increases. Regarding abortion rights, she told the Sun-Times “there should be options. There are exceptions.”