Krajewski challenges Gilmartin in Downers Grove mayor race

Former Downers Grove mayor Brian Krajewski plans to run for the village's top office again, setting up a contested race against Commissioner Chris Gilmartin.

Krajewski, 63, confirmed his candidacy in late October, according to Shaw Local. He served as Downers Grove mayor from 1999 to 2007 before losing a reelection bid to Ron Sandack. He currently sits on the DuPage County Board, where he is the second most senior member.

Gilmartin, 54, announced his own bid on Oct. 22 via social media, as Patch reported. He was first elected to the Downers Grove Village Council in 2021 and won a second term in 2025.

Mayor Bob Barnett cannot seek another term because of the village's term limits. The election is April 6, 2027.

Two candidates, different resumés

Krajewski brings a long record in Republican Party politics. Beyond his eight years as mayor, he chairs the Downers Grove Township Republican Committeeman's Organization and serves on the DuPage County Republican Central Committee, according to Shaw Local. He is an attorney and CPA who also served on the DuPage Water Commission board.

On the county board, Krajewski chairs the animal services committee and sits on the finance, community development, judicial and public safety, development and strategic planning committees.

At the time of his October announcement, Krajewski was also running for reelection to his county board seat. He said that if he wins the mayoral race in April, he would resign from the county board. His Republican successor would then be appointed by DuPage County Board Chairwoman Deb Conroy, according to Shaw Local.

Gilmartin, founder and CEO of a digital marketing company, has pointed to the Village Council's record as his case for the promotion. He cited four consecutive balanced budgets, the village's AAA bond rating from S&P and the construction of a new Civic Center without raising property taxes.

Gilmartin wrote in his announcement that good local government "is mostly careful, steady work." He also highlighted his role on the village's Economic Development Corporation, which he said helped bring Lurie Children's Hospital, Rivian Motors and more than $72 million in private investment to Downers Grove.