Kaptain easily defeats Galvan in race for Elgin mayor

Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, who said his campaign "resonated with people," soundly defeated challenger Joe Galvan Tuesday night and earning his second term, according to unofficial results.

Kaptain finished with 4,785 votes to Galvan's 2,078, with all precincts reporting in Kane and Cook counties. "I ran on what I've done the last four years and I think people just appreciated what I did," Kaptain said.

Galvan's campaign was "a little bit" negative, Kaptain said. "I tried to just run a positive campaign and I think it just resonated with people."

Kaptain earned 3,961 votes in Kane County to 1,725 votes for Galvan, a past regional director for the Midwest region of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Kaptain, 67, said his priority will be to continue strengthening education through a local collaborative that he spearheaded, and focus on the city's budget and finances in light of Gov. Bruce Rauner's fiscal initiatives. "We're waiting to get feedback from the governor," he said.

Kaptain, who served on the council for six years in addition to several local committees and commissions over the years, also wants to build the city into an arts and entertainment destination.

Galvan - who aimed to be Elgin's first Latino mayor - congratulated Kaptain on his win on Tuesday. "I wish him success," he said.

Galvan, 58, said he wanted to focus on economic development and said before the election Kaptain failed to build consensus among council members.

Kaptain said his style is all about promoting public - not behind-the-scenes - discussion.

Galvan also said he wanted to bridge the gap between government and Elgin's large Latino population, arguing the city hasn't done enough to get Latinos involved.

Kaptain said he has actively encouraged seeking out Latinos to serve within city commissions, which have attracted Latino members since he's become mayor. Also, the city council appointed Rose Martinez - its only Latino member - to fill a vacant seat in May, Kaptain pointed out.

Martinez was re-elected Tuesday, which Kaptain said he viewed as an change to keep engaging Latino residents.

"Maybe it's the start of something with the Latino community, to get them involved," he said.