Christopher Espinoza, a Downers Grove Democrat, is running for DuPage County Board District 2 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican Robert R. Stevens.

Candidate information

Party: Democrat

Residence: Espinoza describes himself as "a lifelong resident of Downers Grove, Illinois," on his campaign website.

Education: "B.A. Public Policy from The University of Illinois at Chicago," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Family: "Unmarried. No Children," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Family in politics or government: "No," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Elected office: "District 99 Board of Education Member Since 2021. Reelected April of 2025. I was first elected when I was 20, reelected when I was 24," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Occupation and work history: "Staff Assistant for the Office of the Illinois Senate President, 2023-Present. Field organizer for State Sen Karina Villa, 2022," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Endorsement: IUOE Local 150, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this post?

"I bring an entirely unique perspective to the DuPage County Board," Espinoza said in our questionnaire. "As someone who has been homeless in DuPage County and relied on local services, I understand the lived experience of so many folks struggling here in DuPage County. I understand how policy works on paper and how it often times fails in practice and that lived experience is invaluable when making long-term strategic decisions about how we invest our funds."

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

"I have served on the District 99 school board for the last five years and during my time on the board I have brought more post-grad opportunities to our district for students who are interested in areas outside of higher education," Espinoza said in our questionnaire. "Trade programs, work-study initiatives, local business internships, that allow students hands-on experience they can use to help gain long-term employment right after graduation. I've fought against the administration to save the jobs and pensions of our incredible custodial, maintenance, and grounds staff when they were threatened with outsourcing."

Policy positions: On his campaign website, Espinoza said he supports "accessible mental health care rooted in prevention, community, and dignity, not crisis-response alone," public transportation improvements, middle-class housing "so families, seniors, and young residents aren't priced out of the places they call home" and "economic development that lifts up workers and small businesses, not just developers and well-connected insiders."

Best advice ever shared with you?

"Early is on time, and on time is late," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.