Toni Preckwinkle pledged a new era of reform and transparency in Cook County government before a cheering crowd at a hotel in downtown Chicago just moments ago. The unofficial counts from the vast majority of precincts across Chicago and Cook County has Preckwinkle in command of the race.

"I want to say this to the residents of Cook County," Preckwinkle said to cheers in the packed ballroom. "For far too long, you've seen your taxes go up with less and less to show for it. Many have questioned whether our county is still capable of creating the change that we need. But I believe it's a new day in Cook County."

Preckwinkle's likely victory tonight places her atop a government facing a thorny set of challenges in the short term. She's pledged to gradually roll back the remainder of a sales tax increase supported by outgoing board president Todd Stroger and must fill a budget shortfall that could range up to $500 million. The county health care system, meanwhile, is the "provider of last resort" for many of Cook's poorest residents and uninsured workers. And following Stroger's tenure, voters are looking for a new round of transparency and ethics in a government long known for its politically-driven hiring.

She'll no doubt use the lessons learned waging battles on City Council, her zest for public policy, and her knowledge of nitty-gritty issues that come up when running a government. It's a tall order. And for the new Preckwinkle administration, meeting the challenge begins tomorrow.

Check back for more updates, including video, soon.