Rockford Mayoral Primary Field Takes Shape
Five candidates have filed petition packets for the upcoming mayoral primary following the October 26 deadline.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Political Parties
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The filing window for the Rockford mayoral primary has officially closed with four Democratic and one Republican candidate submitting their paperwork. Candidates filed their petitions at the Rockford Board of Elections Office to secure their spot on the ballot for the February primary.
Why it matters
This filing period marks the start of a competitive cycle as the city prepares to choose its next mayor. With multiple Democrats and a single Republican already in the race, the primary will serve as the initial hurdle for candidates looking to advance to the general election.
Four Democratic candidates and one Republican have formally submitted petition packets to the Rockford Board of Elections Office. The field may further expand as independent candidates have until late November to complete their own filing process.
The players
Dan Lewandowski
He is a Democratic candidate who submitted petition packets to run for mayor.
Gabrielle Torina
She is a Democratic mayoral candidate who filed her official paperwork with the election office.
Maurice West
He is a Democratic candidate who entered the Rockford mayoral race by submitting his required petitions.
Mary McNamara Bernsten
She is a Democratic candidate seeking the mayoral office in the upcoming primary cycle.
Derrick Kunz
He is the only Republican candidate who filed to compete in the mayoral primary.
The details
Dan Lewandowski, Gabrielle Torina, Maurice West, and Mary McNamara Bernsten filed as Democrats, while Derrick Kunz entered as the sole Republican. Additionally, Bob Blosser has announced his intention to run as an independent candidate, a move that requires submitting separate paperwork in November.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The mayoral primary filing deadline passed.
November 16-23, 2026: Independent candidates are scheduled to file election paperwork.
February 23, 2027: The primary election will take place.
April 6, 2027: The general election is scheduled to occur.
Political Context
The city's adherence to the Illinois Election Code's candidate filing requirements governs how every mayoral candidate must qualify for the ballot. Opponents of current party-led processes often advocate for non-partisan formats, arguing that primary filing rules can limit the diversity of local political discourse.
The solidification of the candidate field means residents will soon see campaigning ramp up in their neighborhoods. Voters should prepare to review candidate platforms and align their schedules for the upcoming primary and general election dates.
The takeaway
With the filing deadline passed, Rockford voters can now focus on the distinct policy positions of the five primary candidates. Residents interested in additional options should monitor the independent filing window in November for potential late entries to the ballot.
What happens next
Independent candidates must submit their election paperwork between November 16 and November 23, 2026. The primary election will be held on February 23, 2027, followed by the general election on April 6, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the local election cycle, visit the Political Parties page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rock River Current - Illinois - Wisconsin.
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