Dolton Trustee Jason House projected to defeat incumbent Mayor Tiffany Henyard in Democratic primary

DOLTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Dolton Trustee Jason House is projected to defeat incumbent Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard in Tuesday night's Democratic primary election.

With 100% of precincts reporting, 46-year-old House has won more than 80% of the vote, according to the Cook County Clerk's Office. He is expected face off against independent candidate Casundra Hopson-Jordan in the April general election.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There was jubilation at House's headquarters on Tuesday night.

"We faced four years of intimidation, four years of failure. Tonight is the new day for the community of Dolton," House said.

Henyard was a no-show at her own election night gathering, which was sparsely attended.

The one-sided results are a clarion call for change by Dolton voters, who turned out in larger numbers than during the primary four years ago.

"Right now starts the transition of transparency, accountability, holding us accountable. That's all we've been trying to do. Hold us accountable. ," said Dolton Trustee Kiana Belcher.

The voters were eager to cast their ballots earlier Tuesday.

"It is a must, must, must, must among me and all my neighbors that we came out and voted today. It was not an option. It was a requirement," said Dolton voter Whitney Simmons.

"I hope this will be a renowned day. I really do. I hope it be something we can talk about good, you know, later on after the election is over," said Douglas Williams, another Dolton voter.

"I knew I couldn't miss this one," Dolton voter Sharon Huntley said.

Henyard arrived at her polling place on Tuesday afternoon amid a heavy presence of Cook County sheriff's officers.

ABC7 was allowed inside as Henyard cast her vote. The embattled first-term village president felt good about her chances earlier in the day.

"I'm so excited. I couldn't wait for this day. I'm glad it's finally here, so I'm ready for the landslide this evening," Henyard said.

The election pit Henyard, who is under FBI scrutiny for her handling of Dolton finances, against House, who ran on Henyard's ticket four years ago.

"We're feeling encouraged. We've got a good turnout and steady flow of people," House said. "It's been four years of frustration and not just for myself. Most importantly, it's for the residents, and they've been feeling all of the frustration and disappointment."

House cast his vote at Lincoln Elementary School. He said he has a different vision for Dolton.

"The board, we signed up to take an oath for transparency. We are glad this day is coming so we can move the village forward in the right way," House said.

House says if he becomes mayor, there will be sunny days ahead, but it will take time to change Dolton's reputation.

"All things are possible. The question is not, can we do it? Because we must. The question is, how long will it take for us to do it?" House said.

House says Henyard sold him and voters a bill of goods with false promises.

"She's a passionate liar, and I've not seen anything like that," House said.

For most of her first term, Henyard has been caught up in an avalanche of controversy.

An investigation conducted by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concluded Henyard mismanaged the village's finances with her excessive spending. In addition, there is a federal investigation.

Henyard denies all of it and claims she is the victim of a smear campaign.

"I am confident that I will have a landslide this evening. Our residents do love me despite fake news not showing the good that I do in the community because I do a ton of good. You painted me as bad news for four years," Henyard said.

She defended her record, sharing a message to voters on Tuesday.

"Please do your research," Henyard said. "Judge me on my work, because my work speaks for itself. Ignore the mess and drama because that is just a distraction."

But many voters have had enough with village chaos that has garnered national news for this small south suburb.

"It's just it really hurts my heart to see this and then see the person run again. That's a lot of nerve," said Dolton voter Jacquelyn Robinson.

"I've been living here for 19 years, and it's too much chaos, and that is bad word when you talk about local government. It's bad enough when you have that on a national level," added Damar Chrisler, another Dolton voter.

Henyard's political future could rest on Tuesday night's results.

SEE ALSO | Tiffany Henyard issues statement after video shows her in brawl at Thornton Township meeting

She also serves as Thornton Township supervisor and was in the middle of last month's melee at a board of trustees meeting.

Her reelection bid for township supervisor faltered after a Democratic caucus left her off the April ballot.

The new term for Dolton's mayor starts May 1. Voters hope whoever ends up getting elected will have the village's best interest at heart.

"Education, making sure the children have a safe place to grow up and making sure the finances are doing what they are supposed to do," Dolton voter Velveeta said.

Earlier Tuesday, Henyard said she would accept Tuesday night's election results.

And what might she do next?

"I might run for something bigger. You never know," Henyard said.

Messages left for Henyard's attorney were not immediately returned on Tuesday night.