Elmhurst Republican Backs Democratic County Hopeful

ELMHURST, IL – Two Elmhurst aldermen have officially endorsed a colleague's campaign for the DuPage County Board.

Aldermen Mike Brennan and Chris Jensen are backing Alderman Guido Nardini in his bid for a District 2 seat.

Nardini, who was elected alderman in 2023, is running in the March 17 Democratic primary against Christopher Espinoza. The winner is expected to face Republican Robert "Rusty" Stevens in the November general election.

In his endorsement, Brennan, chairman of the City Council's public safety committee, said he was a registered Republican who takes pride in voting for the best candidates regardless of political affiliation.

Brennan served with Nardini, a restaurateur and a lifelong Elmhurst resident, on the committee.

"Guido asked thorough questions, which made our discussions better," Brennan said. "Guido has the experience to manage the county's budget, thoughtfulness to ask hard questions and will be an asset to the DuPage County Board."

Jensen heads the council's planning and zoning committee, to which Nardini belongs.

"I value pragmatism over partisanship, which is why I'm proud to support Guido Nardini," Jensen said in his endorsement. "I trust that he's done the work. I respect his process."

It's unsurprising that the aldermen have endorsed Nardini. Both attended Nardini's campaign launch party in October, along with Mayor Scott Levin and aldermen Emily Bastedo, Karen Sienko and Rex Irby.

County Board's District 2 includes much of Elmhurst south of North Avenue, except downtown, Elmhurst University, Edison Elementary and nearby neighborhoods.