Naperville Candidates File Petitions for Upcoming Elections
Eight council hopefuls and two mayoral candidates meet the filing deadline for the April 6 municipal election.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
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Eight candidates have submitted petitions for four Naperville City Council seats, while two contenders filed to run for mayor. The filing window for these municipal positions officially closed on October 26.
Why it matters
The upcoming election will reshape local government as incumbent council member Patrick Kelly departs to focus on his work and family. Voters will decide the city's leadership and council direction in the April 2027 contest.
Candidates successfully filed their petitions between October 19 and October 26 to secure their spots on the ballot. A total of eight individuals are seeking one of the four available city council seats.
The players
Scott Wehrli
Scott Wehrli is the current mayor of Naperville who is seeking a second term in office.
Benny White
Benny White is a candidate challenging the incumbent mayor for the leadership of the city.
Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly is an incumbent Naperville City Council member who is not seeking reelection.
The details
Scott Wehrli is currently seeking a second term as mayor, facing a challenge from Benny White. Meanwhile, Staci Boyer, Kristine Gericke, Laurie Donahue, Mark Willensky, and Michael Christin are among those vying for a seat on the City Council.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: The filing period for candidate petitions opened.
October 26, 2026: The filing period for candidate petitions closed.
April 6, 2027: The municipal election will occur.
Political Context
Opponents of the current administration may argue that the filing slate represents a call for new priorities in local governance. This municipal contest highlights the ongoing debate between continuity under Mayor Scott Wehrli and potential shifts in city policy proposed by challengers.
The upcoming election will directly determine who sets local ordinances and manages the city's budget over the next term. Residents should monitor the final candidate list to understand how these contenders plan to impact local property taxes and city services.
The takeaway
Voters should review the platforms of all qualified candidates to understand how the new council composition might alter city management. Monitoring local public forums in the months leading up to the April vote provides the best opportunity to engage with the candidates' agendas.
What happens next
The municipal election is scheduled to occur on April 6, 2027, where residents will cast their votes for the mayoral and council candidates.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming municipal vote, visit the Naperville elections portal.
Live Poll
Do you feel satisfied with the list of candidates running for city office in your community?
