Barbara O'Meara, a Democrat and Naperville resident, is running for reelection to the DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 5 seat in the Nov. 3 general election. She faces Republican Michael Farmer.
O'Meara has represented District 5 on the forest preserve board since 2020, according to BallotReady. She has lived in DuPage County's District 5 for more than 25 years, according to the Forest Preserve District's board page. She is married and has three children.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: DuPage County Forest Preserve Board, District 5
- Residence: Naperville, Illinois
- Family: Married with three children
- Education: Master's in public health, according to O'Meara
- Years in District 5: More than 25
Experience and public service
O'Meara has worked as an environmental health practitioner at the Environmental Health Division of Public Health for the State of Illinois, according to the Forest Preserve District's board page. Her professional background in environmental health connects to several of the policy positions she has outlined for the forest preserve board.
She served as a board member for the Naperville Public Library District from 2019 to 2025, according to BallotReady. She also taught as an adjunct professor at Waubonsee Community College from 2009 to 2020.
O'Meara said on her campaign website that she served as an executive board member of the Illinois Municipal Vehicle and Construction Association from 2000 to 2017. She also said she has served as president of the Democratic Women of DuPage County.
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 questionnaire 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. She outlined this position in her candidate questionnaire response to the Forest Preserve District.
Wildlife habitat and conservation: O'Meara said she wants to build more "land bridges" and "habitat corridors" to connect DuPage forest preserves and provide safe passage for native wildlife. She said these connections would also increase native wildlife populations by giving them safe access to more animals.
Endorsements
The following organizations have endorsed O'Meara, according to BallotReady:
- IUOE Local 150
- Illinois Sierra Club
- United Hellenic Voters of America
The general election is Nov. 3, 2026. O'Meara is certified for the ballot.
The Naper Today candidate questionnaire was sent to Bryan Drew's campaign. No response was received as of Oct. 9, 2026. The policy positions above are drawn from his public campaign website and public records.
