The DeKalb 6th Ward aldermanic race, ripe with controversy preceding the election, came to a conclusion Tuesday night.

With 100 percent of 6th Ward precincts reporting, incumbent Dave Baker defeated challenger Jesse Perez by 17 votes, 174-157.

The controversy surrounding the race was due to questions about residency requirements.

On March 8, the city revealed in a press release Perez may not meet residency requirements laid out by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

The law states aldermanic candidates must live within their ward for one year preceding the election, city clerk Donna Johnson said. However, information distributed to the candidates stated they only had to live within the city for one year preceding the election.

Perez stayed on the ballot and ran his campaign to the end of the line Tuesday night.

The residency issue played a big part in the loss, Perez said.

“Overall I feel great,” he said. “It was a great fight. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.”

What does the future hold for Perez?

He said he hopes to work on a doctoral degree in either the fall or spring.

Baker, on the other hand, is preparing himself to continue to serve the residents of the 6th Ward.

“I promise four more years of service to this great city,” Baker said. “I’m ready and willing to listen to any issues anyone might bring up.”

Baker said his hard work on the campaign with all facets of 6th Ward residents, including students and home owners, paid off in the end.

Baker has two major issues he hopes to help work on over the next four years.

“The two most important issues on my mind are the new police station and trying to help our school system,” he said.