18-year-old conservative Jake Leahy made history on Wednesday when he became the youngest elected official in the state of Illinois and the youngest school board member in the state's history.

In a four-way race for a seat on the Bannockburn School District 106 Board of Education, Leahy was the victor capturing nearly 28 percent of the vote in a four-way race. The area typically leans Democratic.

“Tonight’s results send a message, which goes far beyond the boundaries of Bannockburn School District 106," Leahy said in a statement. "This sends a message that young people should have a seat at the table, to determine their own future. Voters agreed last night. Springfield has been ignoring the will of the next generation for far too long. They cannot continue to recklessly borrow money on the back of my generation.”

The 18-year-old campaigned on improving communication and transparency in the school board and said to Red Alert Politics that he hopes he inspires other young conservatives to run for office.

"Republicans, Democrats, Independents all agree how important it is to provide a voice for the next generation."