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

Bio

Office sought: Lake County Board District 16

Party: Democrat

City: Round Lake Beach

Age: 30

Previous offices held: Lake County Board 2022 - 2026

Q&A

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

My top priorities since 2022 is investing in infrastructure, supporting immigrant families, ensuring working men and women have a strong voice and fair representation, and making life more affordable for everyone.

I believe in building stronger communities by improving our roads, gun violence prevention, and public services. Helping families navigate immigration challenges and standing up for hardworking people.

My focus is simple: putting working families first, creating opportunities, and making sure our community has adequate investments from the county so every voice has a chance to thrive within this district.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you’ve led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

Data Center Moratorium

I voted for and helped pass a moratorium on data center development in Lake County to ensure that rapid expansion does not come at the expense of our residents and natural resources.

Fighting for Affordability

I stood against unnecessary increases in land development fees that would have made it more expensive to build and invest in Lake County. I believe we should be removing unnecessary barriers to responsible development, housing, and economic opportunity.

Standing Up Against ICE

I championed a ban on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using county property for immigration enforcement operations. My focus has been on protecting families, ensuring county resources serve our communities, and standing up for residents who deserve to feel safe and respected.

Elevating Underrepresented Voices

I have used my appointment authority to bring individuals from historically underrepresented communities into positions of leadership. Representation matters, and I believe leadership is not just about having a seat at the table, it's about making room at the table for others.

What initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

On the County Board, we have prioritized consolidating or dissolving overlapping units of government to eliminate duplication, improve efficiency, and reduce costs without unnecessarily raising the property tax levy. We will continue identifying opportunities to make government more efficient and accountable.

I have consistently questioned unnecessary spending, permit fee increases, and additional financial burdens on residents and businesses. My priority is ensuring taxpayers receive quality services while keeping government affordable, responsible, and efficient.

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

I believe Lake County must do more to support our small businesses and entrepreneurs. We should work directly with business owners across the county to provide accessible training, resources, and workshops on marketing, social media, financial management, community engagement, etc. By connecting entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need, we can strengthen our local economy, encourage innovation, and create more opportunities for working families. Supporting small businesses means investing in the people who drive our local economy and keep our communities thriving.

Most of this can be accomplished by hosting events and workshops with our communications team or other non-profits, with very minimal cost to the county.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

I have and will continue to work alongside my Republican colleagues on making Lake County a better place to live.

One issue in particular that arises, whichever party controls the board, is that the board currently operates on a top down approach. In the coming board after 2026, I plan on introducing changes to our Board rules that will strip the County Chair of much of the top down approach powers and returning the power to ALL of the board members, regardless of committee assignment, and regardless of party.

We need a change to our board culture.

What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?

I believe public service should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford to serve. The current compensation structure for Lake County Board members creates a financial barrier that effectively prices working men and women out of the opportunity to represent their communities.

We are responsible for overseeing a county budget that is approaching $1 billion, yet we continue to treat County Board service as a part-time position. The responsibilities, decisions, and demands of this office deserve serious consideration of a transition to a full-time, fairly compensated role.

A single parent, a working class resident, or someone living paycheck to paycheck should not be excluded from public office simply because they cannot afford to leave their job or lack another source of income.

Representation should not be a privilege reserved for the financially secure. If we truly want a County Board that reflects the diversity of Lake County, we must create a path for everyday working people to serve.

What is the most important issue facing the county in your district and how should it be addressed?

Protecting Residents from Data Center Encroachment

Our district is especially vulnerable to rising water, electricity, and living costs. Unchecked data center expansion could strain essential resources and shift additional costs onto working families. I support maintaining the data center moratorium until strong regulations protect our utilities and ensure corporations, not residents, pay for the infrastructure they require. Economic development should never come at the expense of affordability.

Investing in Immigration Services and Local Nonprofits

Our immigrant families and small-business owners rely on local nonprofits for essential legal assistance and community resources. I will continue fighting for county funding, grant-writing support, and investments in these organizations so families can access services right here in our district without traveling to Chicago or out of state. Every family deserves access to the resources and support they need to thrive.