General Election: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Kane County residents will vote on Federal, State and Local races in the 2024 General Election.
More information will be posted to this page as it becomes available.
Federal Candidates
House of Representatives
State Candidates
State Senators
Karina Villa | 25
Born and raised in West Chicago, Senator Karina Villa is a lifelong resident of Illinois State Senate District 25. After earning her M.S. in social work, Karina worked in the public schools and served as the Vice President of the District 33 School Board. She initiated programs such as a dual-language program and full-day kindergarten. As a senator, Karina uses her professional background to collaborate through compassionate conversation and is committed to ensuring effective representation for all residents. Through her strong leadership skills, experience serving in the state senate and unwavering dedication to success, Karina knows how to bring people together to tackle the important issues and pass needed legislation.
Senator Villa takes satisfaction in having a strong voice in an effort to improve the lives of her constituents and all residents of Illinois. She continues to fight for funding and equity in mental health services, addiction treatment, healthcare in rural areas, and affordable pricing for life-saving medications. The residents in her district can continue to count on Senator Villa to represent their needs in Springfield. To learn more about the work Karina is doing, see her website, karinavilla.com or follow her on social media.
State Representatives
Barbara Hernandez | 50
Barbara Hernandez is currently serving in the Illinois House of Representatives. Born and raised in the East side of Aurora she is representing the 50th District which comprises much of the City of Aurora and Kane County. After serving as a Kane County Board member since 2016, she was first sworn into the General Assembly in early 2019. Representative Hernandez has sponsored a number of bills promoting racial justice, gender equality, and economic sustainability, and has pushed for equity for some of Illinois’ most disadvantaged groups. She is a longtime public servant with a track record for supporting policies and ideas that would continue to bring equality and equity to Illinois.
Linda Robertson | 65
Linda Robertson is a candidate for Illinois House District 65. Linda believes that Springfield has enough lawyers. Instead, it needs more scientists trained in evaluating data and working collaboratively to solve complex problems. As an international technical consultant, Linda has learned to listen and ask people questions, not assume that she already has the answers.
As an environmental microbiologist, Robertson values actions that will promote clean air and water. She sees climate change as a crisis issue, threatening the quality of life for this generation and generations to come. Like many Americans, Linda believes reproductive healthcare decisions should be made between a patient and their doctor, without the involvement of politicians. She will advocate for healthy communities and families: supporting common-sense gun safety, accessible childcare, and affordable healthcare. Linda and her family have lived in St. Charles since 1988 and enjoy kayaking on the Fox River. As an environmental microbiologist, Linda received 12 patents for leading research in managing water and wastewater projects. Her work experience and problem-solving skills ensure that she will protect not only our rights to choose but also our rights to have a safe environment.
Matt Hanson | 83
Illinois House Representative Mike Hanson is running for re-election in the 83rd District, which includes the tri-cities, North Aurora, Aurora, Sugar Grove, Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville. Matt serves on the following Illinois House committees: Police and Fire, Transportation – Roads and Bridges, Appropriations – General Services, and Cities and Villages. He is also the House appointee to the eight-state Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission. Matt brings extensive knowledge to this appointment since he has worked for 20 years as a railroad engineer and union officer in SMART Transportation Division Local 171, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO representing 125,000 active and retired railroad, bus, and mass transit workers in the U.S.
Prior to being elected to the Illinois House in 2022, Matt served as the Commissioner of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County and represented District 6 on the Kane County Board, where he was co-chair of the Legislative Committee and served on the Transportation, Labor Management, Executive, and Cares Act Allocation Committees. Matt also served on the Historic Preservation Commission in Aurora and remains active in his church and surrounding community.
State Judicial Candidates
Sandra Parga
Judge 4th SubCircuit
Judge Sandra Parga is running for Circuit Judge, 4th sub-circuit. For 23 years, she has specialized in a variety of cases, including criminal defense, family law, probate matters, and administrative hearings. Judge Parga is bilingual, and in 2013, she received the Kane County Pro Bono Attorney Award for her volunteer work, which included 7 years Prairie State Legal Services’ Spanish Clinic.
In 2017, Judge Parga was appointed as an Associate Judge in Kane County and has served in the Juvenile Justice Court for the last three years. In the case of juveniles, the focus of the court is on “what is in the best interest of the child.” Judge Parga consults with Dr. Alexandra Tsang, Chief Psychologist of the Kane County Diagnostic Center to look at all aspects of the child’s life and determine a way to get the help the child needs to make changes for a successful future.
Judge Parga was the first Latina judge in Kane County and is a member of the Language Access Committee, Juvenile Track Workgroup, New Judge Orientation Committee, and Biennial Juvenile Conference. Judge Parga worked with other judges to revamp the interpretive division of the courts and make sure that all interpreters are registered or certified so that defendants understand the court proceedings and any steps they need to take.
Kimberly DiGiovanni
Judge 16th Circuit
Judge Kimberly DiGiovanni was appointed, in Kane County, as an associate Judge in 2022 where she was ranking “highly recommended” by the Kane County Bar Association. In 2023, Judge DiGiovanni was unanimously appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a county wide Circuit Court Judge to fill the seat of the late Justice Donald Hudson. Judge DiGiovanni has previously served in traffic/misdemeanor court and was a special assignment Judge where she presided over all matters in both civil and criminal courts. Judge DiGiovanni is currently the presiding Judge in Kane County for the Family Division, which consists of six total courtrooms- (4) four divorce courtrooms, a parentage courtroom and a courtroom solely dedicated to orders of protection and no stalking/contact cases.
Prior to being appointed to the bench she was in private practice where she primarily represented clients in complex family law matters. Judge DiGiovanni was routinely appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties and was a presenter for numerous Guardian ad Litem certification and training. In addition to her family law practice, Judge DiGiovanni was special counsel for the City of Aurora, City of Elgin and Village of East Dundee. While in private practice, Kim was an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Kane and DuPage Bar Associations. Prior to private practice Kim was an assistant states attorney in Kane County and also worked as a Judicial Law clerk for the 16th Judicial circuit. She received her Juris Doctorate from DePaul College of Law in December of 2003 and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in July of 2004.
She currently resides in the tri-city area with her family.
Julio Cesar Valdez
Judge 16th Circuit | 2nd Subcircuit
Judge Valdez was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and came to the U.S. with his parents when he was four years old. He grew up in Elgin and decided at a young age that he wanted to be a lawyer. After obtaining his law degree from the University of Iowa, Judge Valdez practiced law for 21 years, handling worker’s compensation, personal injury, real estate, family law, criminal law, and immigration cases. He also volunteered throughout the Elgin community, serving on the Board of Directors for Centro de Informacion and for Elgin Community Bikes, which introduces children to bike riding. In December 2019, Judge Valdez was appointed as an Associate Judge to the Aurora Branch Court. This was followed in August 2022 by an Illinois Supreme Court appointment to a Circuit Judge position over the Elgin Branch Court. Judge Valdez continues to speak at school and youth organizations throughout the community and has participated in a “Reading in School” initiative by reading to Elgin elementary school students. Currently, he reaches out to the community by hosting an information booth at the Elgin Farmers Market.
Judge Rene Cruz | Retention
Judge Cruz was born in Panama. His father was a career soldier in the U.S. Army, which led to a diverse upbringing in four states and two countries. Judge Cruz graduated with honors from The Citadel in 1992. Three years later, he graduated from Northern Illinois University College of Law. In 1996, he became a partner in an Aurora firm that eventually became the Law Offices of Gil & Cruz. At his firm, he followed his passion to educate members of the Hispanic community, while prosecuting and defending their rights in all areas of the law.
After recognizing that there were no Hispanic judges in the 16th Judicial Circuit, Rene Cruz, Attorney at Law, campaigned to become a judge. On December 3, 2012, he became the first Hispanic judge in Kane County, IL. Judge Cruz has served in the Family Law Division and currently serves as the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Misdemeanor and Traffic Division and the Felony DUI Treatment Court. Judge Cruz has received numerous awards for his volunteerism in the community, including Champions Against Hunger (awarded by the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry to Cruz and his wife) and the KCBA Community Service Award (bar association award for a caring attitude and service in the community). Judge Cruz is the Chair of the program for the Illinois Judges Association and a “New Judge Cohort Leader/Mentor” to judges throughout IL.
Local Candidates
Kane County Candidates
Circuit Clerk
Theresa Barreiro
Theresa Barreiro is the Kane County Circuit Clerk. The Circuit Clerk is the recordkeeper of the 16th Judicial Court and maintains all records for the county. There are 105 employees in 10 locations throughout the county. Theresa was elected to that position in 2021 and is an eight-year veteran of the Kane County Board, representing District 2.
Theresa was first elected to the Kane County Board in 2012 and has an extensive background in local government going back 30 years. She gained experience in the Kane County Clerk’s Office where she served as a state registrar for six years. In 1990 she was hired by the City of Aurora as a Deputy City Clerk and was promoted to various positions in Community Development and Building and Permits. During her tenure on the Kane County Board, Barreiro has served on many committees and has held leadership positions. Her interests also led her to serve on the Executive Committee of the Kane County Forest Preserve. Theresa still finds time to volunteer in her community. Barreiro is an active member of the Kane County Democratic Women and a member of Kiwanis. She also held a prior position as secretary for the Aurora Township Democratic Central Committee.
Auditor
Penny Wegman
Kane County Auditor, Penny Wegman, has lived in Kane County since 1980. Attending Elgin High School, graduating from Missouri State University with her undergraduate degree in Political Science and then continued to Keller Graduate School to complete her MBA, graduating with honors.
Her commitment to the community includes previously serving as Kane County Board Member, Kane County Forest Preserve Commissioner and Treasurer, Gail Borden Library Board Trustee, Kane County Regional School Board Trustee President, and as a volunteer at Ladder Up and Cinderella’s Closet.
As the Kane County Auditor for the past four years there have been significant accomplishments in the Auditor’s Office. Accomplishments include increased access to the Online County Checkbook, the development of an internship program, identifying and helping the County Board close policy gaps and creating a Purchase Card Audit process that increased transparency and revenue. In 2023 the office audited $175 Million in invoices and $62 Million in payroll records. Most recently the Kane County Auditor’s Office received the International Association of Governmental Officials Innovator Award.
As Kane County Auditor, Wegman intends to set a new benchmark for accountability and transparency and be the driving force for efficiency. How Kane County spends your tax dollars is important to us all, “Every Penny Counts.” To learn more about Penny, visit her website: PennyWegman.com
Coroner
Dr. Monica Silva
Dr. Monica Silva, an Aurora resident, mother, chiropractor, and elected official, is dedicated to improving other people’s lives. The daughter of immigrants, she is helping to make Kane County a better place. Dr. Silva graduated cum laude from Aurora University where she studied Pre-Medicine and Criminal Justice. Upon graduating from college, she worked for the Kane County Health Department to help Kane County’s underserved community. Currently, Dr. Silva is the clinic director at Silva Chiropractic Clinic, and previously served as Head Clinician for a leading integrative care teaching institution.
Dr. Silva has dedicated her life to serving the community. In 2005, she was elected as an Aurora Township Trustee in 2005 and was the first Latina to be elected to the Township board. In 2010, she was elected to the Kane County Board and has served as Chair of the Public Health Committee and Vice Chair of Judicial Public Safety Committee which oversees the Coroner’s Office. Dr. Silva has served as a board member and volunteer for many community organizations. She was the recipient of the 2021 Women of Power Award from the Quad County Urban League. Dr. Silva is a mentor to local students and speaks to our community’s youth about making good decisions and the path to success in life. She is an active member of St. Therese Church. As a mother, she is dedicated to her first love, her two sons.
Kane County Board Chair
Corinne Pierog
Corinne Pierog has served as the Kane County Board Chair since 2020, working for both the suburban and rural residents in our county. During this time, she launched Kane County’s first economic development organization; established pay equity for county employees; arranged a mass vaccination site during Covid, which served over 600,000 residents; advocated for and supported funding for public safety and mental health programs; and protected 7,000 acres of family owned and operated farms throughout the county.
Pierog also lobbied Springfield for grants, funding, and recognition in the following areas: obtained funding to remove the need for a toll on the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge, bringing home $35 million to Kane County taxpayers; received a $25 million grant for railroad crossing improvements along the Randall and Hopps Road intersection; and gained National River Trail Recognition for the Fox River,
Supporting her community through volunteerism, Pierog has been newly appointed to the Board of the Boy Scouts of America: Three Fires Council and serves as the 1st vice chair of the Democratic Party of Kane County. She is the founding Board Chair of the Kane County Democratic Women and has also served as the 1st vice-chair of Age Guide of Northeastern Illinois. Pierog is a resident of Batavia and has lived in Kane County for 25 years.
Kane County Board Candidates
Mavis Bates | 04
Mavis Bates has lived in Aurora for most of her life and was elected to the Kane County Board to represent District 4 in 2020. Mavis serves as chair of the Energy and Environmental Committee. Her accomplishments include helping to obtain the installation of an eight-acre solar panel field that will save the county over $5,000,000 over the course of its lifetime. Mavis worked to ensure that $4,000,000 in American Rescue Funds went to local non-profits and mental health agencies, which were struggling to make it through the COVID pandemic. Currently, Mavis is working with other board members to create a strategic plan for Kane County, making sure we set high quality priorities and a path forward for our community that includes good jobs, environmental stewardship, and fiscal responsibility.
Mavis has a bachelor’s dress in secondary education from the University of Illinois. She went on to earn master’s degrees in the following areas: computer science from IIT, acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin. Her past careers have included teaching high school, working at Bell Labs in Naperville for 20 years, and running her own business as an acupuncturist for 20 years. Mavis is grateful for the diversity in our county and knows that people from different backgrounds make our community stronger.
Michelle Gumz | 08
Michelle Gumz was elected to the Kane County Board District 8 in 2020. Her goal as a board member is to listen to residents, meet people where they are, and move forward with thoughtful decisions on each vote she casts for her constituents. Michelle is chair of the Security Advisory Committee and co-chair of the Legislative Committee while sitting on the following committees: Judicial and Public Safety, Executive, Administration, Public Service, Legal Affairs and Claims, Labor Management, and American Rescue Plan.
Gumz grew up in Aurora and retired from the Aurora Police Department as a 911 dispatcher. Her volunteer work in Kane County shows her passion for helping others. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser appointed Gumz to serve on the Kane County DUI Treatment Court Team as well as the Collaborative Diversion Team. Gumz is also a board member of the Kane County Specialty Court Foundation, which helps offenders who work hard to re-enter society as good citizens. And she finds time to serve the veterans of Aurora by serving as President of Roosevelt Aurora Legion Post 84 Auxiliary, which provides assistance to veterans.
Part of Michelle’s job is to research and advocate for money for Kane County in both Springfield and Washington, D.C. She is an executive board member with the Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) and a standing board member of the Illinois Association of County Board Members (ACBM). Gumz looks forward every day to representing her community in Kane County and throughout the state, and she knows there is even more to do for her constituents.
William Tarver | 10
Bill Tarver represents District 10 on the Kane County Board and is the Vice-chair of the Energy & Environmental Committee. His other committee appointments include serving on the Human Services and Public Health Committees in addition to being a commissioner on the Kane County Forest Preserve. Tarver’s professional experience as a school social worker and a restorative practice facilitator have prepared him to build and repair relationships between people and communities. As a board member, he has been an effective communicator, responding to all constituent concerns and fostering teamwork and collaboration among board members. He is a strong advocate for public health and mental health services, sustainability initiatives, and careful monitoring of revenue and expenses.
Tarver continues to volunteer with local nonprofits such as the Norman B. Barr Camp, Boy Scout Troop 21, Venture Crew Youth, and Suicide Prevention Services of America. As the treasurer of a nonprofit organization for 10 years, Tarver understands the need to budget conservatively, closely monitor revenue, and invest wisely. He recognizes the importance of keeping our taxes in check while maintaining and improving the high level of services that make our communities strong. Tarver has been a resident of Batavia for 17 years and is running to ensure that Kane County remains the number one choice for residents to live, work, and play.
Ricky Rivard | 12
For over 30 years, Ricky Rivard has called Kane County home and is currently running to represent the 12th District on the Kane County Board. Rivard brings education and experience to the table. Currently, he is an adjunct professor at Elmhurst University, which complements his 20 years of experience in the service industry. During his time as a professor, he has witnessed growth in his students and seen moments of celebration, contemplation, and everything in between. These experiences have taught him that compassion, when shared, strengthens our bonds and builds a resilient community.
Rivard’s advocacy extends to critical priorities. He supports LGBTQ+ rights and equitable women’s healthcare access. Mental health remains central to his mission to provide accessible resources for all. He believes counties should invest in green spaces for the environment and the health of residents. This will lead to safer streets and improved pedestrian functionality. Lastly, Rivard is dedicated to local workforce development, fostering skill growth and job creation while also maintaining Kane County’s financial responsibilities.
Ted Penesis | 16
Ted Penesis is a driven and accomplished professional with a proven track record of working across multiple industries – including governmental institutions and recreational agencies – during his 30+ year career.
In addition, Ted also worked in several roles for individuals involved in the political arena, including organizing field operations, assisting with the development of campaign materials, canvassing neighborhoods, phone-banking, and serving on candidate transition teams. Among his accomplishments includes serving as Collar County Political Director for the victorious 2018 JB Pritzker for Illinois Governor campaign.
Locally, Ted has served as a consultant to strengthen community bonds, assisted in various charitable events, and is a proud board member of the South Elgin Boys & Girls Club. He would be truly honored to serve as a Kane County Board Member and believes this unique opportunity will allow him to give back for all he has received from the community.
Cherryl Strathmann | 20
Cherryl Strathmann is the District 20 incumbent running for her third term on the Kane County Board. During her first two terms, Strathmann served on several committees, including Legislative, Environment and Energy, Jobs, and Executive. Currently, she is Chair of the Public Health Committee and has initiated a program where at each meeting a different service offered by the Kane County Health Department is highlighted. Strathmann wants the community to know that many residents are helped by collaborative agreements with different agencies. She believes that a healthy community is a productive community that benefits everyone.
A lifelong community activist, Strathmann first got involved in trying to pass the ERA, Equal Rights Amendment. She is a passionate supporter of the rights of all citizens and continues to advocate for women’s reproductive healthcare, including a woman having control of her own body and being able to make decisions about her own future. She will not stop fighting for women’s healthcare rights until the repeal of Roe v. Wade is corrected. Strathmann serves her community in many ways and advocates for inclusion and equity for all residents. She is Vice Chair of Kane County Democratic Women, a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension, and a member of Sherman Hospital Community Health Board. She and her husband Carl live in Elgin and enjoy the diversity of their community.
These important dates have been copied from the Kane County election website: https://clerk.kanecountyil.gov/Elections
Find Your Polling Place
Where to VoteRequest Vote By Mail Ballot
Wed Aug 07, 2024*
*Ballots will not be sent until Thu Sep 26, 2024
Issue Vote By Mail Ballot
For Military/Overseas
Fri Sep 20, 2024 – Mon Oct 28, 2024
For All Other Vote By Mail
Thu Sep 26, 2024 – Thu Oct 31, 2024
Last Day to Register to Vote
Tue Oct 08, 2024
Grace Period Registration & Voting
(At Kane County Elections Main Office & Aurora Satellite)
Wed Oct 09 2024 – Mon Nov 04, 2024
Early Voting Period
(At Kane County Elections Main Office & Aurora Satellite)
Thu Sep 26, 2024 – Mon Nov 04 2024
Permanent Sites – Early Voting Period
(All Early Voting Polling Places)
Mon Oct 21, 2024 – Mon Nov 04, 2024
Last Day to Count Vote By Mail & Provisional Ballots
Tue Nov 19, 2024
