Democrat and former state legislator Robin Kelly will replace Jesse Jackson Jr. after winning a special election Tuesday night. She declared victory after 77 percent of the precincts were counted with 73 percent of the votes, the Chicago Tribune reported. Black Republican and ex-convict Paul McKinley had about 19 percent of the ballots passed.

“Yes, we’ve seen some tough times and some setbacks. I know for some of you, your faith in your leaders is a little shaken,” Kelly told supporters. "I thank you for that and I promise I will work very hard not to let you down.”

Kelly also reiterated her goal to fight for stronger gun control measures, which has been a centerpiece of her campaign. She was joined by Cleopatra Clowley and Nathaniel Pendleton, the parents of teenager Hadiya, who was slain by gunfire just days after participating in President Obama's inauguration festivities.

“Watch us take on the NRA, the tea party and anyone else standing in the way of safety,” Kelly said.

In other Illinois election news, mother and son Wendy and Randall Casey both lost their bids for Village President aka mayor of Dixmoor. Both received less than 10 percent of the 515 votes cast, NBC Chicago reports.

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 (Photo: Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call)