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Voters across the Chicago suburbs are gearing up for key mayoral races and referendums in Tuesday’s election, but two contests in particular are drawing outsized attention: Aurora and Dolton.
In Aurora, Illinois’ second-largest city, incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin is looking for a third term. A former Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2022, Irvin has picked up endorsements from the Daily Herald and several labor unions. He faces John Laesch, an Alderperson-at-Large who’s positioned himself as a progressive challenger.
Meanwhile in Dolton, change may already be underway. Jason House, a village trustee, defeated controversial incumbent Tiffany Henyard in the Democratic primary earlier this year. Now, House faces Casundra Hopson-Jordan in the general election.
Henyard, meanwhile, lost her bid to be the Democratic nominee for Thornton Township Supervisor. State Sen. Napoleon Harris secured that nomination and will face Reform Party candidate Chris Clark and independent Nate Fields Jr. in Tuesday’s consolidated election.
Other Key Mayoral Races to Watch
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Evanston: Mayor Daniel Biss is seeking a second term, touting a progressive record focused on affordable housing and climate action. Jeff Boarini, a retired media consultant, says he’ll push for transparency and lower taxes.
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Orland Park: Incumbent Keith Pekau is running for a third term, highlighting job growth, infrastructure, and public safety—without raising property taxes. His challenger, Jim Dodge, has union support and Chicago Tribune’s endorsement. Dodge, a former National Guardsman and local official, wants to cut taxes and boost efficiency.
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Plainfield: Incumbent John Argoudelis faces a crowded field with Kevin Calkins, Margie Bonuchi, and Cally Larson all vying for the presidency.
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Waukegan: Mayor Ann Taylor is being challenged by former Mayor Sam Cunningham (Democrat), Harold Beadling (Republican), and independent Keith Turner.
Dozens of Suburban Contests
Voters across suburbs including Arlington Heights, Bellwood, Broadview, Dixmoor, Matteson, Maywood, and others will select new mayors or village presidents. Many races feature crowded fields of independents and party-backed candidates. Here’s a quick snapshot of other contests:
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Mount Prospect: Trisha Chokshi vs. Paul Wm. Hoefert
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Oak Park: Ravi Parakkat vs. Vicki Scaman
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Palos Heights: Jeffrey M. Key vs. Robert S. Straz
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Skokie: Charles Marbena Isho, David Lifsics, and Ann Tennes
And while mayoral races dominate the headlines, voters in many communities will also weigh in on local tax referenda and bond issues.
Polls open Tuesday.
For more information on your voter registration and polling places, please visit www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections.