1976Final results
1976 election for Illinois's 17th District
U.S. House · Illinois
George M. O'Brien (R) won with 58.2% of the vote, defeating Merlin Karlock (D) by 16.4 points.
George M. O'BrienRepublican · winner
58.2%113,145
Merlin KarlockDemocrat
41.8%81,220
194,365 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1976
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET