3-way race set for Arlington Hts. mayor, as candidate filing opens in Northwest suburbs

A three-way race for Arlington Heights’ next mayor emerged Tuesday morning as candidates across the suburbs began filing nominating petitions for the April 2025 municipal elections.

The Arlington Heights contest, expected to be among the most-watched contests in the spring election, was among the few mayoral contests that developed from the first day of the filing, which continues through Monday, Nov. 18.

With longtime Mayor Tom Hayes not seeking a fourth term as the Arlington Heights’ top elected leader, the field to replace him includes two members of his village board — trustees Tom Schwingbeck and Jim Tinaglia. Filing alongside them Tuesday morning was Jon Ridler, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Ridler announced his plan to run in August, touting a “comprehensive vision” for Arlington Heights. He also called for transforming the Arlington Park property — where the Chicago Bears’ proposed $5 billion redevelopment vision remains in limbo — revitalizing the north and south sides of town, and promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.

Tinaglia, an architect and member of the village board since 2013, declared his candidacy in July, labeling himself a “careful and concerned” advocate for the Bears’ potential relocation to town. Though he would welcome the team, he said its proposal for a mixed-use transit-oriented development — with restaurants, stores, offices, hotels, homes and more — would “negatively impact” downtown Arlington Heights.

Schwingbeck, a village trustee since 2019, is president of RNM & Associates, a sales, metallurgical and consulting company. He announced his mayoral campaign in May, stating, “Our next mayor will need the experience, passion and full-time commitment to work collaboratively with our village board, our staff, local businesses and our residents in continuing to make our village an outstanding and welcoming community in which to live, work and raise a family.”

Barrington

Village President Karen Darch, first elected in 2005 and reelected four times after, is ending a career in public service that also included 10 years as a village trustee.

“It's been 20 wonderful years, but it was time to step aside,” she said. “It's been a great experience, but it's a good time to change.”

Trustee Mike Moran, who was appointed to the village board in 2019 and elected to a four-year term in 2021, filed petitions to run for president.

Hanover Park

Hanover Park Park District President Mark Elkins filed to run for village president last month. His petition is considered valid by the village clerk’s office because he filed as a member of a local political party, Hanover Park Rising Together, that won at least 5% of the vote in the 2023 election.

Village President Rod Craig said he intends to file for reelection. He has served as the village’s top elected official since 2007.

Mount Prospect

Mayor Paul Hoefert submitted nominating petitions to seek his second term as mayor.

Trisha Chokshi, the former chair of the village’s finance commission, has indicated she plans to challenge Hoefert, but did not file candidacy papers Tuesday morning.

Elk Grove Village

Already Elk Grove Village’s longest-serving mayor, Craig Johnson filed paperwork Tuesday for an unprecedented eighth term in office.

Johnson, first elected as a village trustee in 1993 and then mayor in 1997, hasn’t been challenged at the ballot box since he defeated Roger Bianco by a 3-1 margin in 2005.

Des Plaines

Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski filed to run for a second term. He was the only mayoral candidate who put in paperwork Tuesday morning.

Wheeling

Only one candidate filed Tuesday morning for village president in Wheeling: the man who holds the job now, Patrick Horcher.

Horcher, a local entrepreneur who was elected village president in 2017 after 16 years as a trustee, is seeking a third full term in the big chair. If no other candidates surface, this will be the first time Horcher runs unopposed for the post.

Palatine, Hoffman Estates

Candidates in Palatine and Hoffman Estates filed nominating petitions last month. The incumbent mayors in both towns — Jim Schwantz in Palatine and Bill McLeod in Hoffman Estates — are running unopposed.

Rosemont

Mayor since his father Donald's death in 2007, Brad Stephens submitted signatures Tuesday for another four-year term this spring. He was unopposed in last week's election for another two-year term as Republican state representative in the 20th district — a position he was originally appointed to in 2019.

South Barrington

The mayor's race in South Barrington only drew one candidate Tuesday morning.

Incumbent Paula McCombie, who's had the job since 2013, is seeking a fourth term. McCombie served two terms as trustee before moving into the mayor's office.

Streamwood

Streamwood Village President Billie Roth, first elected to the office in 1989, was unchallenged in her bid for a 10th term on Tuesday.

Bartlett

Three-term Village President Kevin Wallace is not expected to seek reelection.

The only candidate to file for the position Tuesday was lifelong village resident Dan Gunsteen, who was elected as a trustee in 2021.

Inverness

Longtime Inverness Mayor John A. “Jack” Tatooles filed to run for another term. Tatooles first was elected in 1997.

Barrington Hills

Village President Brian D. Cecola filed for another term. No challenger surfaced early Tuesday.

Cecola was elected in 2021 to succeed Martin J. McLaughlin, who had been elected to the state House.

Long Grove

Long Grove Village President Bill Jacob filed to run for a third term.

He first won election to the village board as a trustee in 2015 as part of a slate that opposed a plan to levy Long Grove’s first property tax levy and advocated for the creation of a long-range plan to revitalize the town.

Lake Barrington

In Lake Barrington, Trustee Andrew Burke on Tuesday filed petitions for the village president's post now held by Kevin Richardson.

Richardson, who's had the job since 2005, isn't running and is overseeing Burke's campaign.

Deer Park

In Deer Park, Mayor Greg Rusteberg filed paperwork to run for a second full term. He was appointed to the post in 2020 and elected in 2021.