Syed-Hills Illinois Senate race draws $6.5 million in campaign contributions

Democratic state Representative Nabeela Syed has raised at least $4.7 million, compared with $1.8 million for Republican Senator Darby Hills, in their contest for Illinois' 26th Senate District, WBEZ reported November 3, citing Reform for Illinois.

The combined $6.5 million makes the contest one of the most expensive in the history of the Illinois General Assembly, the organization's executive director Alisa Kaplan said. Separately, a political action committee formed to oppose Syed received $500,000 from its founder, Vince Foglia. That money is separate from the candidates' fundraising totals.

Syed, who is completing her second term in the Illinois House, has emphasized affordability and access to health care. Hills, appointed to the Senate after Dan McConchie resigned, has campaigned on public safety, lower taxes and spending controls. Both support more oversight of data-center development.