Beth McElroy Kirkwood, a Democrat on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board, is running for a full term in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Kirkwood to fill a vacant board seat in December 2024, according to the district's website. The site describes the district, known as the MWRD, as managing wastewater treatment and stormwater across Cook County.

Three seats are open.

Voters may choose up to three candidates. Kirkwood faces five opponents: Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda and Precious W. Brady-Davis, both Democrats, and Republicans Jill B. Shestokas, Michelle Pennington and Timothy E. Rueckert.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Office sought: MWRD Board of Commissioners
  • Education: Bachelor of arts in education, Benedictine University
  • Occupation: Educator at Orland School District 135, where Kirkwood said she has worked since 2009 and holds certification as an English as a Second Language teacher

Experience and public service

According to her official profile and questionnaire responses, Kirkwood's civic and elected roles include:

  • Chair and former vice chair, board of trustees at Moraine Valley Community College
  • Board member, Moraine Valley 524 Community College Board (2019 to present)
  • Committeeperson, Orland Township Democratic Organization (since December 2021)
  • Member, Orland Park Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Member, Orland Park Open Lands Fund Commission
  • Member, Orland Park Recreation and Parks Advisory Board

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Kirkwood's responses to the WTTW 2026 Primary Election Voters Guide questionnaire.

Stormwater and flooding: Kirkwood said reducing sewage overflows requires continued investment in existing infrastructure combined with expanded green infrastructure. She cited permeable pavement, green alleys, rain gardens, bioswales, detention basins and green schoolyards as tools to capture water before it reaches combined sewers.

Water quality and public health: Kirkwood said the district can improve waterway conditions by reducing nutrient pollution, investing in modern treatment technologies and expanding green infrastructure that filters pollutants. She called for real-time water quality monitoring, clear public alerts and accessible information to help residents reduce exposure risks.

Emerging contaminants: Kirkwood said the district plays an important role in addressing emerging contaminants through nutrient reduction, treatment upgrades and advocacy for source control. She said she supports legislation targeting industrial chemical contamination, including extended producer responsibility and the PFAS TRUST Act, to prevent harmful substances from entering the system.

Invasive species: Kirkwood said preventing invasive species is essential to protecting the Chicago Area Waterway System and Lake Michigan. She said the district should continue working with state and federal partners on monitoring, control strategies and infrastructure solutions.

Infrastructure investment priorities: Kirkwood said she would prioritize investments that reduce flooding, improve water quality and advance equity. She listed expanding green infrastructure in communities with chronic flooding, modernizing treatment plants, investing in water reuse projects to protect Lake Michigan and advocating for state and federal funding to support aging infrastructure and union jobs.

Endorsements

The following endorsements were claimed by the endorsing organizations, according to BallotReady:

  • IUOE Local 150
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134
  • Chicago Federation of Labour
  • Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600
  • Citizen Action Illinois
  • Cook County Democrats

Candidate positions are based on questionnaire responses and official profile materials. Evanston Wire does not endorse candidates.