Christopher Espinoza, a Democrat from Downers Grove, is running for DuPage County Board District 2 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Republican Robert R. Stevens.

Espinoza, a Community High School District 99 board member and staff assistant in the Illinois Senate President's Office, said in our candidate questionnaire that he brings "an entirely unique perspective to the DuPage County Board." He cited his personal experience with homelessness in DuPage County as central to his candidacy: "As someone who has been homeless in DuPage County and relied on local services, I understand the lived experience of so many folks struggling here in DuPage County."

Candidate information

Party: "Democrat," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Education: "B.A. Public Policy from The University of Illinois at Chicago," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Family: "Unmarried. No Children," Espinoza said in our questionnaire.

Endorsement: IUOE Local 150, according to BallotReady.

Experience and public service

Asked about his elected service, Espinoza said in our questionnaire: "District 99 Board of Education Member Since 2021. Reelected April of 2025. I was first elected when I was 20, reelected when I was 24."

On his work history, Espinoza said: "Staff Assistant for the Office of the Illinois Senate President, 2023-Present. Field organizer for State Sen Karina Villa, 2022."

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Espinoza said in our questionnaire: "I have served on the District 99 school board for the last five years and during my time on the board I have brought more post-grad opportunities to our district for students who are interested in areas outside of higher education. Trade programs, work-study initiatives, local business internships, that allow students hands-on experience they can use to help gain long-term employment right after graduation."

Espinoza added: "I've fought against the administration to save the jobs and pensions of our incredible custodial, maintenance, and grounds staff when they were threatened with outsourcing."

On the issues

On his campaign website, Espinoza listed four policy priorities:

Housing: "Middle-Class housing so families, seniors, and young residents aren't priced out of the places they call home," Espinoza said.

Healthcare: "Accessible mental health care rooted in prevention, community, and dignity, not crisis-response alone," Espinoza said.

Transportation: "Public transportation that works — because no one should be stuck in a 'transit desert' without a way to get to work, school, or access health care," Espinoza said.

Economy: "Economic development that lifts up workers and small businesses, not just developers and well-connected insiders," Espinoza said.

Asked about the best advice he ever received, Espinoza said: "Early is on time, and on time is late."