Republican Candidates Challenge Incumbents in Cook County’s MWRD Election

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Cook County has played a crucial role in managing the local water supply since 1889. Its duties include flood prevention and wastewater treatment. The agency collaborates with local governments on initiatives like distributing rain irrigation barrels and safe disposal of prescription drugs to protect drinking water. In the 2026 primary election, the three incumbent Democrats, Precious Brady-Davis, Eira Corral Sepúlveda, and Beth McElroy Kirkwood, were endorsed for re-election to six-year terms. Despite facing a strong challenge from progressive Democrat Sarah Bury, Brady-Davis and Sepúlveda secured victories, and McElroy Kirkwood managed to maintain her seat, despite Bury’s focused campaign against her.

In a new development, three Republican candidates are poised to contest these incumbents. Their participation signals healthy competition, as the Republican party in Illinois struggles with candidate quality and Donald Trump’s unpopularity. Michelle Pennington, Timothy Rueckert, and Jill Shestokas, who have coordinated their campaigns, comprise this team.

Pennington, previously a candidate against Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, attacked what she sees as the MWRD’s excessive spending on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) programs, and other initiatives. She calls for significant layoffs and budget cuts. However, her ideas may not find favor among other board members due to potential negative impacts on addressing severe flooding in underserved areas. She also proposes reducing the legislative and intergovernmental affairs team, essential for MWRD collaboration on local, state, and federal water initiatives.

Rueckert brings a law enforcement background and served as Highway Commissioner for Northfield Township. He plans to evaluate DEI programs personally before considering their elimination. Although he has experience in flood mitigation, the complexities of MWRD’s scope may prove challenging.

Shestokas, MWRD’s spokesperson from 2007 to 2010, suggests practical improvements, such as creating a public project dashboard and conducting after-action reviews post-storms to enhance accountability and transparency. Her familiarity with MWRD could provide beneficial oversight in a Democrat-majority board.

Democratic incumbents bring their strengths. Brady-Davis, an appointee by Governor JB Pritzker, has become a prominent and effective leader. Eira Corral Sepúlveda has consistently performed well since 2020. Both are endorsed for re-election. Deciding between McElroy Kirkwood and Shestokas is complex. McElroy Kirkwood has dedicated herself fully to MWRD, but Shestokas’s prowess and potential role as a GOP watchdog add valuable prospects for accountability. Voters are advised to consider Brady-Davis, Sepúlveda, and Shestokas for a balanced and effective MWRD board.