Rebecca Gamboa is running as a Democrat for Illinois Regional School Superintendent for Region 19 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Gamboa teaches fifth grade in Lombard Elementary School District 44.
Gamboa faces Republican Amber M. Quirk.
Gamboa said on her campaign website she wants to transform the office into a hub connecting educators, families, community partners and government agencies. She said she would take steps to share resources rather than waiting for people to seek them out.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Birthplace: Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Education: Bachelor's degree in elementary education and teaching, North Central College (1996); master's degree in teaching and instruction, Aurora University (2004); master's degree in educational leadership and administration, Concordia University (2013)
- Opponent: Amber M. Quirk (Republican)
Experience and public service
Gamboa has taught fifth grade for three decades across three Illinois districts. She began at Sandwich Community Unit School District 430 from 1996 to 2000, then taught at District 300 Schools in Algonquin from 2000 to 2006, according to her campaign website. She has taught at Lombard Elementary School District 44 since 2006.
Her union work spans local and national levels. Gamboa said she serves as co-president of the Lombard Education Association and chairs the DuPage Political Action Committee for Education, known as DuPACE. She said she served as a director on the National Education Association board from July 2018 to September 2024. She also said she is a delegate and grassroots political activist with the Illinois Education Association.
Gamboa said she received the Education Department's Leadership Award her senior year at North Central College for advocating that the school support a professional education sorority on campus.
On the issues
Educator recruitment and retention: Gamboa said she would collaborate with local schools, colleges and community partners to build a pathway into the teaching profession. She said she would make professional development more accessible through inclusive scheduling and follow-up support for educators.
Accessibility of the regional office: Gamboa said she would return the office to a welcoming space where educators, administrators, support staff, parents and community members can access services, share feedback and find solutions.
Policy advocacy: Gamboa said she would monitor the political landscape at the state and federal levels and advocate for policies supporting public schools. She said her background as a union leader gives her a forward-thinking approach grounded in planning and preparation.
The Naper Today candidate questionnaire was sent to Rebecca Gamboa's campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 12, 2026. The policy positions above are drawn from her public campaign website and public records.
