Michelle Pennington, a Republican, is running for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board in the Nov. 3, 2026, Illinois general election. Three seats are open. Voters choose up to three candidates, according to BallotReady election data.
Asked why she is running, Pennington said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running because families deserve safe homes, clean water, and a government that respects their money. As a mom and business owner, I know rising property taxes squeeze household budgets and flooding can destroy what families have worked to build."
The other candidates in the race are Beth McElroy Kirkwood (Democratic), Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda (Democratic), Precious W. Brady-Davis (Democratic), Jill B. Shestokas (Republican) and Timothy E. Rueckert (Republican).
The MWRD board oversees wastewater treatment and stormwater management across Cook County.
Candidate information
Party: Republican
Family: Asked about her family, Pennington said in our questionnaire: "My husband and I have lived in Chicago for 25 years, making our home in Bucktown, where we own and operate our business and have raised our two children. One attends high school in the city, and the other is away at college."
Education: "Originally from Texas, I attended DePaul University and have continued my education through professional training, civic involvement, and experiences that challenge how I see the world," Pennington said in our questionnaire. She added: "I completed StormwaterONE coursework and earned certifications in MS4s and stormwater compliance."
Occupation: Pennington is a leasing agent at GMC Realty and managing partner at Medill Street Partners, according to BallotReady profile data. She previously served as vice president at Computers for Schools and PC Rebuilders from 2001 to 2006 and as an account manager at I Works from 1999 to 2001, according to the same data.
Experience and public service
Asked about previous office, Pennington said in our questionnaire: "I previously ran for Cook County Clerk because I care deeply about this county and believe residents deserve responsible, accountable government. For many years I have served as an election judge, helping neighbors participate in our democracy."
On her qualifications, she said: "I bring more than 20 years of business experience and a willingness to challenge decisions that fail residents. I will judge success by cleaner water, fewer flooded homes, and responsible spending."
On the issues
Flood prevention and accountability: Pennington pointed to an incident in Harvey as an example of the oversight she would bring to the board. "MWRD acquired homes, displaced residents, and left properties vacant and unsecured," she said in our questionnaire. "Residents reported trespassing, fires, and other safety concerns. I demanded that MWRD secure and maintain its properties. Within days, homes were boarded and lawns mowed."
Spending and governance: Asked about her party affiliation, Pennington said: "My approach differs from leadership that too often answers problems with higher taxes, additional departments, and expanded programs. Before asking residents for another dollar, I will ask whether existing resources are being used effectively, whether an expense serves MWRD's mission, and whether the public receives measurable benefits."
She added: "One party has controlled MWRD for decades, yet communities continue to experience flooding. A healthy democracy requires scrutiny, and the possibility of changing leadership when results fall short."
Business experience as preparation: "Managing properties means balancing budgets, maintaining buildings, planning for repairs, and responding when something goes wrong," Pennington said in our questionnaire. "That experience translates directly to overseeing public infrastructure and respecting the people who pay for it."
Endorsements
No endorsements were provided.
Candidate responses were collected through our candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and attributed to the candidate.
