Esiah A. Campos: 2026 candidate for Lake County Board District 16

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Lake County Board District 16

City: Round Lake Beach

Age: 30

Occupation: Pension Analyst

Previous offices held: Lake County Board

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I’m running for reelection to finish the job I started and continue delivering for the Round Lake area. When I ran, it was with a clear vision: invest in overdue infrastructure, strengthen partnerships with our local mayors, create the conditions for sustainable economic growth, and make our government more inclusive to the people it serves, such as the Latino community that had no representation on the board before I got elected.

We have made real progress attracting new businesses and coordinating development across municipalities, while appointing underrepresented Latinos to local boards. I want to build on that momentum. Completing critical infrastructure improvements is a top priority because they directly improve quality of life, safety, and long-term economic opportunity for our residents.

Key projects that motivate me include our roads, which affect our quality of life and work, like the Cedar Road realignment and the Rollins Road expansion.

I’m running because I believe in this vision, I’ve proven I can deliver results, and there is still important work to do to ensure Round Lake continues moving forward in a way that is inclusive, affordable, and built for the future.

If you are an incumbent, describe a few important initiatives you’ve led. If you’re not an incumbent, describe a few ways you would contribute to the board.

I’ve worked on initiatives that expand access to services and support those who serve our community. As a Navy veteran, I helped advance the First Responders Wellness Center, which provides critical mental health resources for first responders and veterans.

I also advocated early on for countywide translation software to remove language barriers and ensure that residents can access county meetings regardless of their language.

I fought to secure hazard pay for members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office after it was initially denied, recognizing the risks they took by continuing to serve the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These efforts reflect my commitment to practical, people-focused solutions that strengthen our county.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

One service that is lacking in parts of the county is access to safe needle disposal sites. I am currently working with the mayors in my district to increase the number of disposal locations within our municipalities. This approach relies on a shared-cost partnership between the county and local governments, ensuring the service is expanded responsibly while minimizing the burden on any single entity.

Another gap is the lack of connectivity through bike paths that allow residents to travel safely within and across the county. Increasing bike and pedestrian infrastructure is part of the county’s strategic plan, and we are expanding bike paths alongside road improvement projects. These investments are funded through the Lake County motor fuel tax, allowing us to improve safety and mobility without raising property taxes.

Addressing these needs improves public health, transportation options, and overall quality of life for county residents.

Lake County Board members also serve as forest commissioners. What do you consider the biggest priority or need in your district from the forest preserve side?

District 16 has limited forest preserve land, which makes access to nearby preserves, especially Rollins Savanna, critically important for our residents. Ensuring that this space remains accessible, welcoming, and safe is my top priority from the forest preserve side.

I would like to continue pursuing bilingual signage at Rollins Savanna so more residents can fully understand and enjoy the preserve and reflect the diversity of our community. Another important focus is transparency and safety around the use of pesticides in forest preserve management. Residents should be clearly informed when treatments occur so families, children, and pets can safely enjoy these spaces.

Protecting access, inclusion, and public safety is key to making our forest preserves a true community asset.

With the county's budget being squeezed by federal funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

Federal funding cuts will have a real and adverse impact on Lake County, and we will need to make thoughtful decisions about which programs are essential to continue funding so the county government can maintain high-quality services without compromising public safety.

I support using county reserve funds strategically to shore up critical operations during periods of uncertainty while also maintaining our long-term financial stability. At the same time, we must be proactive in working with our state and federal legislators to secure funding in advance, advocate for our fair share of resources, and reduce the likelihood of sudden shortfalls, in order to avoid raising taxes on our residents.

Responsible budgeting means planning ahead, prioritizing safety and core services, and making informed choices that protect residents while keeping the county financially sound.

What is the single most important issue facing your district, and how should the county address it?

The single most important issue facing my district is the intersection of immigration enforcement concerns and long-overdue infrastructure needs. Our residents deserve to feel safe, informed, and supported, regardless of what is happening at the federal level.

On immigration, the county must remain vigilant and continue organizing at the community level. I have worked to bring residents together and support rapid-response efforts so people know their rights and have access to timely, accurate information. That work must continue to ensure fear and misinformation do not destabilize our communities. Holding agents accountable if they violate our ban on using county property.

At the same time, finishing critical infrastructure projects is essential to our district’s long-term success. Investments in roads, utilities, and transportation lay the groundwork for economic growth, safer neighborhoods, and a higher quality of life. Which, in turn, makes the Round Lake Area more attractive for home developers and new businesses.

Addressing both immediate community stability and long-term infrastructure is how the county can best serve my district now and in the future.

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

Over the past four years, I have delivered results and followed through on the commitments I made when I first ran in 2022. I’ve focused on not forgetting what I ran on and turning it into action, whether that meant advancing infrastructure improvements, expanding access to services, or standing up for our community when it mattered most.

I’ve also built strong working relationships with the mayors and local leaders in my district, ensuring their concerns can be raised and addressed quickly. Those connections matter because effective government depends on collaboration and responsiveness.

As the only Latino and Military Veteran currently on the board, it is important to me that those voices continue to get represented in Lake County.

I am the best person to serve in this role because I bring experience, proven results, and trusted relationships that allow me to continue delivering for the district without losing momentum.