The list of candidates running for Naperville City Council in the April 2027 election now includes four people with a background serving on local school boards.
Two council candidates each step up from 203, 204
Two candidates from the Naperville School District 203 board and one currently serving on the Indian Prairie School District 204 board have pulled petitions for candidacy, seeking a spot among four available seats in the next election. So has a sitting city council member who was elected to 204’s board before being appointed to the council.
These include Kristine Gericke and Marc Willensky, both currently representing District 203; and, from 204, current board president Laurie Donahue, and former member Supna Jain, who was appointed to her council seat last fall.
These four candidates with school board credentials are among nine people so far who have picked up petitions to run for council, and can now gather signatures to earn placement on the ballot.
Incumbents, newcomers also pull candidacy petitions
Other candidates seeking a four-year term on the city council include incumbent Councilmen Josh McBroom and Nate Wilson. Planning and Zoning Commissioner Derek McDaniel has picked up a petition and says he is considering a run. Two newcomers, Chris DuPuis and Xavier Sims, have also picked up packets, according to the city, but did not respond to requests for comment about their potential candidacy.
Councilman Patrick Kelly, one of the four whose seat is up for grabs, has decided not to seek a third term.
Candidates share reasons for running
Confirmed candidates for city council seats say their expertise and interests can help the city face challenges and prepare for the future. Several emphasize the “affordability” of living in Naperville for all generations as an important topic, and many also cite the city’s future electric supply as a top priority.
McBroom, who earned his seat in 2023, said his service is about giving back and preserving the “vibrant economic engine” that makes the city a destination for residents and visitors.
“I think it’s our duty to protect what’s been given to us by previous generations and pass it along to the next generation,” McBroom said in a video posted to social media, “and that’s why I’m running.”
Wilson did not respond to requests for comment about his reasons for running. His bio on the city website says he “aims to help support the businesses, amenities, services and events that make Naperville special, while also promoting fiscal responsibility, public safety and responsible growth.”
Jain said she intends to seek a four-year term after connecting and engaging with the community since her appointment.
“Over the past ten months, one of the things I’m most proud of is how much I’ve listened and learned,” Jain said. “Those conversations have shown me there is more work to do, and I’d love the opportunity to continue serving our community.”
Gericke said she wants to continue serving in a new role after nine years on the 203 board. Creating a warm and inclusive community, stewarding environmental resources and ensuring affordability of Naperville housing for all ages are her top priorities.
“I feel like everyone should have an opportunity to live here. It shouldn’t be a small group of people,” Gericke said. “That’s definitely something I’m passionate about.”
Donahue said her background as a 40-year resident of Naperville, an engineer, a school board member and a retiree will give her a valuable perspective to serve as a council member.
“I want to make sure we’re making decisions that support businesses, help them become successful and create this vibrant community that supports all people,” Donahue said.
Willensky said his more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting leave him poised to help make sound and strategic decisions for the city — on business, affordability and all other issues.
“I want to keep Naperville financially strong,” Willensky said. “I think that is important to the community, and I want to make sure every dollar is counting and helping our community in one way or another.”
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