Cook County MWRD Election: A Closer Look

Since its inception in 1889, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has been vital in safeguarding Cook County’s water supply. The agency plays a pivotal role in flood management and wastewater treatment. It collaborates with local governments and runs programs like distributing irrigation barrels for rainwater collection and disposing of prescription drugs safely.

In the 2026 primary, we supported the reelection of three incumbent Democrats: Precious Brady-Davis, Eira Corral Sepúlveda, and Beth McElroy Kirkwood, all vying for six-year terms. Democratic challenger Sarah Bury, a progressive lawyer and environmental advocate, launched an energetic grassroots campaign. Brady-Davis and Sepúlveda secured easy victories. McElroy Kirkwood, although targeted by Bury as the weakest link, managed to win with less support.

The political landscape shifted as three serious Republican candidates entered the race. Their candidacy signals promising competition in Cook County. The Illinois GOP faces challenges due to President Donald Trump’s unpopularity and a lack of strong candidates statewide.

Republicans Michelle Pennington, Timothy Rueckert, and Jill Shestokas describe themselves as running mates with coordinated campaign efforts. They united to counter a Democratic challenge against their ballot positions. Despite this collaboration, their individual backgrounds and goals vary greatly.

Pennington, a real-estate consultant, previously ran against Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon in 2024, but experienced a significant loss. In her renewed bid for MWRD, Pennington criticizes the agency’s spending on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, Employee Resource Groups, cultural events, and internships. She proposes extensive layoffs and budget cuts in alignment with the national GOP’s stance against DEI efforts. We support budgetary discipline but doubt Pennington’s proposals will resonate with her fellow MWRD board members. Injecting cultural politics could impede the agency’s outreach to underserved areas hit hardest by floods.

Pennington also aims to reduce MWRD’s legislative and intergovernmental affairs team, which is crucial for partnering with local communities and state and federal entities for water projects.

Rueckert’s tenure as Northfield Township’s Highway Commissioner included flood mitigation efforts alongside MWRD. With a law enforcement background, Rueckert offers “an independent set of eyes” for board decisions. While skeptical of Pennington’s cuts, he is open to examining programs thoroughly before any eliminations. However, his experience might not fully prepare him for the regional scope of MWRD’s challenges.

Shestokas served as MWRD’s spokesperson from 2007 to 2010. She effectively communicated the agency’s policies and decisions. Her tenure included co-chairing a committee for an international water association, earning her recognition for her work. Since then, she has engaged in political consulting.

Shestokas proposes practical improvements at MWRD. She advocates for a public project dashboard detailing costs, progress, and delays. Post-storm reviews to analyze failures and necessary changes are also on her agenda. These initiatives would enhance accountability on a Democrat-led board.

Against this backdrop, Brady-Davis and Corral Sepúlveda are formidable opponents. Brady-Davis has gained visibility and effectiveness since her appointment three years ago by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Corral Sepúlveda has served capably since we endorsed her in 2020. Both merit reelection.

The decision between McElroy Kirkwood and Shestokas is challenging. McElroy Kirkwood brings dedication and public service experience, having focused on MWRD after leaving public education. Shestokas, although new to candidacy, offers a knowledgeable Republican perspective, promising transparency and accountability.

We recommend voters consider Brady-Davis, Sepúlveda, and Shestokas for the MWRD board. A balanced political representation could maintain integrity and transparency in the agency’s operations.

Read the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election. To contribute a letter to the editor, limit to 400 words and submit to [email protected].