South Cook News

State Senate Republican candidate Patrick Sheehan thanked everyone for their support in his race against Michael Hastings.

Sheehan said he is optimistic he's going to defeat Democratic incumbent Sen. Michael Hastings, who has been embroiled in accusations of domestic abuse.

"My race has not been called, but we are still leading. I haven't forgotten the conversations at the doors and I expect those conversations to reflect the final tally when it's all said and done. Thank you for your continued support!" Sheehan posted on Facebook.

WBEZ reported early Wednesday morning that Sheehan was narrowly leading Hastings, whose campaign has been plagued with allegations of him abusing his ex-wife and harassing his former chief of staff. Hastings has denied all allegations, but he was stripped of his leadership position in the Senate and asked to resign by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Hastings has said he will not resign and called the accusations "baseless and without merit," WTTW reported.

Recently released divorce papers revealed more details about Hastings' alleged abuse of his ex-wife, including him elbowing her in the face, slamming her into a door repeatedly, choking her, and sending her threatening text messages, the Chicago-Sun Times reported. The documents were released despite of objections from Hastings' lawyers.

"Integrity is essential to public service, and corruption for personal gain and abuse in private or public is unacceptable. Illinoisans deserve to have elected leaders who are focused on representing them - not on holding office when facing serious and credible charges," Pritzker said in a statement. "Sen. Jones is accused of accepting bribes. And Senator Hastings is accused of abusing women. They should answer the charges and have their day in court. But in the best interests of their constituents, these men must resign from their offices. Resigning only their leadership roles falls short of what the public should expect. I want to send a clear message to the people of Illinois: corruption and abuse have no place here."

Sheehan grew up in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and graduated with a degree in criminal justice from Saint Xavier University in Chicago, according to his website. He began working as a police officer in 2006.