Tyson-Dunne, Smentek win Democratic DuPage Forest Preserve primaries

A longtime Democrat on the DuPage County forest preserve board fended off a pair of primary challengers Tuesday.

With all election day ballots tabulated, unofficial tallies showed incumbent Tina Tyson-Dunne with 8,885 votes, followed by 5,816 votes for Dana Moreau, a former Lombard village trustee. A third candidate, Jacalynn “Jax” West, trailed with 3,029 votes.

The Democratic nominee will meet Republican William “Bill” Wehrle in the November election. Tyson-Dunne was first elected in 2020.

“One of my top priorities is continuing to acquire open space wherever possible, so that the valuable land in our preserves is held for future generations,” she said.

The district has acquired nearly 47 acres since fall 2024, with the largest property being the former Bolger Farm along Leask Lane near the south side of Wheaton.

Meanwhile, Democrats in another voting district supported an Elmhurst Park District commissioner as the party’s nominee for an open seat on the forest preserve board.

Susan Smentek had 8,477 votes, while Quinn Fulmer, a Roselle Elementary District 12 school board member, had 4,065 votes, according to unofficial counts late Tuesday.

Smentek will face Republican Carolyn Ubriaco, who also is an Elmhurst Park District commissioner, in November. The GOP incumbent, Marsha Murphy, decided not to seek reelection.

Smentek said she would step down from the park board if elected. Smentek also manages sponsorships as part of her professional work for the Glen Ellyn Park District.

“I am a relationship builder,” she said at a League of Women Voters forum. “I listen. I collaborate. I bring people together.”

Katlyn Smith contributed to this report.