The future of the Interstate 88 corridor, residential property taxes, and public safety will be on the line when Naperville voters choose between two candidates with sharply different visions on Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
Councilman Benny White declared Tuesday, July 28, that he will challenge incumbent Mayor Scott Wehrli, who announced his reelection bid Monday, July 27. The two faced each other in 2023, when Wehrli won with about 53% of the vote to White's 45%. Meanwhile, Councilman Patrick Kelly said he will not seek a third term, and three other incumbents confirmed reelection bids. In all, four council seats and the mayor's office are on the April ballot.
As we reported July 28, petition packets became available that day at the Municipal Center. Candidates have until the October 19–26 filing window to gather signatures and submit their paperwork.
The mayoral race
White, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who has served on the council since 2017, framed his campaign around affordability, public safety, and making sure residents from all backgrounds have a voice in city government. He was the first person of color elected to the Naperville City Council and has won reelection twice since.
"'We the People' is more than a phrase. It's my philosophy of leadership," White said in his announcement, according to the Chicago Tribune. "It means that local government belongs to the people it serves."
Wehrli, who owns Naperville-based DuKane Precast and served 35 years as a part-time Naperville Park District Police officer, said revitalizing the I-88 corridor remains his top priority. He argues that attracting businesses along I-88 will grow the commercial tax base and ease pressure on residential property tax bills.
"I am not looking to make politics a new career … I'm asking for your vote in April 2027 so we can keep moving Naperville forward together," Wehrli said in his July 27 campaign announcement.
Kelly steps aside
Kelly, who was first elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023, cited his growing law firm and his three children's activities as reasons for stepping back after eight years. He told NCTV17 he believes in a "natural cycle" to public service and wants fresh voices on the council.
His departure opens a seat without an incumbent for the first time since Kelly himself was elected.
Before his term ends, Kelly said his priorities are helping pass a balanced budget and solidifying improvements to Naperville's bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Three incumbents running
Councilmen Josh McBroom and Nate Wilson, both first elected in 2023, confirmed they will seek reelection. Wilson cited securing Naperville's electricity future and the completion of the Block 59 dining and entertainment complex near Route 59 as priorities.
Councilwoman Supna Jain, appointed in September 2025 to replace former Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh, said she will seek a full term. Jain is the first woman of color on the Naperville City Council and previously served four years on the Indian Prairie District 204 School Board.
What residents need to know
Petition packets are available at the Municipal Center from the Community Services Department. The filing window runs Monday, October 19 through Monday, October 26. If the number of candidates triggers a primary under Illinois election law, that contest would take place in February 2027.
Kelly's open seat means any eligible Naperville resident can run for council without facing an incumbent. The city has not published the specific signature thresholds required for ballot placement; residents can check naperville.il.us for petition details.
City Hall week ahead
- Tuesday, August 4 | Naperville City Council | Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. | Likely next regular meeting based on the council's first-and-third-Tuesday schedule. Agenda expected at naperville.legistar.com/Calendar.
