Melissa Martinez: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 6 (2-year term)

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 6 (2-year term)

City: West Chicago

Age: 45

Occupation: Small Business Owner of Cool Party Balloons

Previous offices held: Appointed to the DuPage County Board District 6 in August 2025

Q&A

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

I am running for this office because county government has a direct impact on people’s daily lives, from access to health care and housing to transportation and public safety. I believe residents deserve leadership that is practical, transparent and responsive.

I am motivated by the need to ensure county decisions are made responsibly, reflect the voices of our communities, and help people feel supported and safe — especially during times of uncertainty. My goal is to bring thoughtful oversight and a people-centered approach to county government.

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.

Since being appointed in August, I have taken an active and engaged role on the county board, speaking up early and often on issues affecting community safety, trust and accountability.

I was the first board member to publicly raise concerns about ICE activity in our neighborhoods and its impact on families, small businesses and residents’ willingness to access county services.

I have also focused on careful review of county budgets and policies, supporting housing stability efforts, protecting access to food and shelter, and ensuring county resources are used transparently and responsibly.

I have made accessibility a priority by listening to residents, responding to concerns and bringing community voices into county discussions. I am running to keep my seat so I can continue this work — standing up for families, maintaining responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and helping build trust between residents and county government.

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 area where DuPage County can improve is ensuring that residents can easily access existing services — particularly mental health, public health and housing assistance — due to language, transportation and awareness barriers. Too often, services exist but remain out of reach for the people who need them most.

I would focus on improving access by investing in outreach, multilingual communication and service coordination, while strengthening partnerships with municipalities and nonprofit providers that already serve these populations.

Expanding mobile and community-based service delivery can also help close gaps without creating entirely new systems. These improvements can be funded by leveraging surplus funds. Ensuring access to services residents already pay for is both fiscally responsible and essential to community well-being.

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?

I would prioritize fully leveraging state and federal grants, strengthening partnerships with municipalities, and coordinating shared services to lower costs without reducing service quality.

Investing in prevention — such as housing stabilization, public health and mental health services — can help avoid significantly higher costs in emergency response, health care and public safety.

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

Affordability is the single most important issue facing the district. Families, seniors and working people are feeling the strain of rising housing costs, property taxes, health care expenses and everyday necessities, making it harder to stay rooted in the community.

The county can help by focusing on policies that stabilize housing, protect essential services and ensure residents can access the programs they already pay for.

This includes supporting housing stabilization and senior assistance programs, expanding access to mental and public health services, and coordinating resources to reduce cost burdens on households.

Addressing affordability must go hand in hand with responsible budgeting. The county should leverage state and federal funding, measure outcomes and avoid shifting costs onto property taxpayers. Smart, disciplined county action can help residents remain in their homes and maintain a good quality of life.

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

I am the best person to serve in this role because I bring real-life experience, strong values and a perspective that has too often been missing from county government.

As the only Latina on the county board, a small-business owner, a homeowner and a mother, I understand firsthand the pressures families and entrepreneurs face and why county decisions must be both fair and fiscally responsible.

Since my appointment, I have shown that I am prepared, engaged and willing to speak up when it matters — while also doing the work of listening, learning and governing responsibly. I was the first board member to raise concerns about ICE activity in our neighborhoods and its impact on families and community trust, and I continue to advocate for policies that ensure residents feel safe accessing county services.

I am committed to being accessible, accountable and transparent, and I am running to keep my seat so I can continue delivering practical, people-centered solutions that strengthen our communities while respecting taxpayers.