Barbara O'Meara, a Naperville Democrat who has lived in DuPage County's District 5 for more than 25 years, seeks reelection to the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board. She faces Republican Michael Farmer in the Nov. 3 general election.
O'Meara has served on the Forest Preserve Board representing District 5 since 2020, according to the Forest Preserve District's board page. She holds a master's degree in public health, according to her candidate response.
Candidate information
- Name: Barbara O'Meara
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: DuPage County Forest Preserve Board, District 5
- Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
- Residence: Naperville, Illinois
- Education: Master's degree in public health
- Family: Married with three children
Experience and public service
O'Meara has held elected and volunteer roles across DuPage County. She has served as a District 5 member of the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board since 2020. She also served on the Naperville Public Library District board from 2019 to 2025.
Her professional background includes work as an environmental health practitioner in the Environmental Health Division of Public Health for the state of Illinois. She was an adjunct professor at Waubonsee Community College from 2009 to 2020.
O'Meara has also served as president of the Democratic Women of DuPage County, according to her campaign website. She was an executive board member of the Illinois Municipal Vehicle and Construction Association from 2000 to 2017.
Endorsements
O'Meara has received endorsements from IUOE Local 150, the Illinois Sierra Club and the United Hellenic Voters of America, according to BallotReady.
On the issues
Climate change: O'Meara said climate change is the most important issue facing the Forest Preserve District and the world. She said it is responsible for an increase in invasive species and a large extinction of species in DuPage County and worldwide. "We need to acknowledge this and take action because in 5, 10, or 20 years from now it will be too late," O'Meara said in her candidate response.
Renewable energy: O'Meara said she wants the Forest Preserve District to commit to solar, electric and wind power whenever possible within the preserves.
Wildlife habitat and conservation: O'Meara said she supports building more "land bridges" and "habitat corridors" to connect DuPage forest preserves. The corridors would provide safe passage for native wildlife, she said. They would also increase native wildlife populations by providing them with safe access to more animals.
