Downers Grove Village Commissioner Chris Gilmartin declared his candidacy for mayor on Thursday, Oct. 22, becoming the first candidate in the open race for the village's top office, as first reported by Shaw Local.
Mayor Bob Barnett cannot seek reelection because of term limits. No other candidates have announced for the seat.
Gilmartin, a 21-year Downers Grove resident who raised three children in the village, has served on the Village Council since winning election in 2021. He won reelection in 2025.
"Good local government is mostly careful, steady work," Gilmartin said in a statement posted on social media. "It's digging into what is before us, challenging the status quo, listening before I vote and following through."
In his announcement, Gilmartin pointed to the council's fiscal record during his five years in office. He said the village balanced four consecutive budgets without increasing property taxes for operations and holds a AAA bond rating from S&P, the highest available. He also cited the new $60 million Civic Center, which he said was delivered without a property tax increase, and a $500,000 cut to the village's operations property tax levy in the 2026 budget.
Gilmartin said his work as an executive member of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation helped attract Lurie Children's Hospital, Rivian Motors and more than $72 million in private investment to the village over the last few years.
As mayor, Gilmartin said he wants to protect village finances, invest in streets, water and stormwater systems, support local businesses and back police, firefighters and social services staff.
Former Commissioner Greg Hose said he has no plans to run for mayor, despite indicating interest several months ago, according to Shaw Local.
Separately, Commissioner Martin Tully does not plan to seek reelection to his council seat. Tully, who served as mayor before Barnett, will begin a career in real estate in addition to practicing law, the outlet reported.
The election is Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
