SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon will not have to pay a nearly $10 million fine for violating state campaign finance laws last year after the State Board of Elections deadlocked Tuesday on approving the fine.

Staff at the elections board fined the Oak Park Democrat’s campaign $9.8 million earlier this year following a Chicago Tribune report that it improperly accepted $4 million more than was allowed during the 2024 election.

Harmon appealed, which sent the matter to a hearing officer, who recommended the full board approve the fine. The board, made up of four appointed Republicans and four appointed Democrats, deadlocked in a 4-4 partisan decision on Tuesday as to whether the fine should stand.

“We’re pleased to have this matter finally behind us and to focus all of our ener

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