Highland Park Councilmember Annette Lidawer Launches Campaign For Mayor

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Highland Park City Councilmember Annette Lidawer has announced her candidacy for mayor, saying she wants to guide the city through a new era of economic transformation.

Lidawer, a former president of the Township High School District 113 Board of Education, said her campaign will focus on long-term planning, business district investment and support for local businesses.

"It's time for change in Highland Park," Lidawer said. "I've raised my family here and seen firsthand the remarkable strengths of this beautiful community. Now it's time to bring fresh ideas forward from our residents, put them to work in our community, and support the next generation of leaders."

Lidawer said she is seeking a unified vision for downtown and across Highland Park's business districts that attracts investment, supports local businesses and preserves the city's character. In her time on the City Council, Lidawer has advocated for policies including business incentives, storefront improvements, expanded dining opportunities, diverse arts and cultural programming, more offerings for families, streamlined permitting and redevelopment aimed at creating an active downtown throughout the year.

Highland Park Councilmember Jon Center, the council's newest member, praised Lidawer's leadership and approach.

"I've learned a lot from Annette. She listens carefully, asks difficult questions, and brings together residents, business owners, educators, and public officials to find practical solutions. She is willing to challenge the status quo when better ideas emerge. Annette would be a great choice to help drive Highland Park forward," Center said.

Councilmember Andres Tapia also backed Lidawer's focus on long-range planning.

"Annette's consistent focus is on creating a vibrant, walkable downtown with an intentional mix of housing, restaurants, retail, cultural amenities, and public spaces that serve residents while attracting visitors and investment," Tapia said. "She believes every development decision should be evaluated not only on its individual merits, but on whether it advances a larger vision for Highland Park."

Lidawer played a role in a referendum effort to update Highland Park's liquor-license ordinance, which had excluded certain business owners from public service. The referendum was supported by 82% of voters and later approved by the City Council.

Lidawer also supported putting term limits for councilmembers and the mayor on the November ballot for voters to decide.

"I've spent my career bringing people together to solve difficult problems," Lidawer said. "I love Highland Park and look forward to the opportunity to continue my service to this community. My vision is simple: a city that plans instead of reacts, invests instead of postpones, welcomes innovation while preserving its character, and leaves the next generation an even stronger Highland Park than the one we enjoy today. It's time for change."