CHICAGO (AP) — Democrat Susana Mendoza is using her state comptroller victory speech to celebrate what she called the “big difference” Democratic women have made in the state of Illinois.

Mendoza is Chicago’s city clerk. She defeated Republican incumbent Leslie Munger, who Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner appointed to the post last year after Judy Baar Topinka died in 2014.

Mendoza stood beside Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel during her Tuesday victory speech. She noted the victories of Democrat Kim Foxx for Cook County state’s attorney and Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who defeated Republican U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk.

The big-money special election for comptroller coincided with the presidential contest, thrusting the usually low-profile race into the spotlight.

Munger dominated in fundraising, with millions in donations from Rauner and businessmen aligned with the governor.

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