2025 Election: DeKalb Mayor

Some candidates running for DeKalb mayor in the consolidated election this spring raised more campaign dollars than others, according to new campaign spending records recently released by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Cohen Barnes is the first DeKalb mayor in 32 years to secure a consecutive term in office, unofficial election results show. "It's a real privilege," Barnes said Wednesday of his reelection.

Voters this week in DeKalb County determined who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries. See the results here.

If unofficial results hold, Cohen Barnes has secured a second term as DeKalb Mayor, according to vote tallies reported Tuesday night. Check back for updates.

It's Election Day in DeKalb County. Polls are open until 7 p.m., and feature many contested races including for mayor, council or township trustee, school or park board seats. Here are some races the Daily Chronicle news team is watching today

This spring, DeKalb County voters get to decide who will make the important decisions regarding their communities, schools, townships, fire departments, parks and libraries.

Letters to the Editor for the Daily Chronicle: Support Linh Nguyen for DeKalb mayor

Letters to the Editor for the Daily Chronicle: Nguyen is the leader we’re looking for

Letters to the Editor for the Daily Chronicle: Linh Nguyen will get things done as DeKalb mayor

Daily Chronicle news staff recently interviewed DeKalb mayoral candidates ahead of the April 1 election. Watch the full video here.

Transcript: John Walker, a candidate for Mayor of DeKalb, answered questions about his positions on the issues facing the city, including roundabouts, from Shaw Local’s Kelsey Rettke and Megann Horstead

John Walker, a candidate for Mayor of DeKalb, answered questions about his positions on the issues facing the city from Shaw Local’s Kelsey Rettke and Megann Horstead. Get the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts

What is DeKalb's "most neglected problem?" the four DeKalb mayoral hopefuls were asked during a crowded election forum Sunday moderated by WNIJ Radio's Sue Stephens. Here's what they had to say.

The state of Illinois is doing away with its grocery tax beginning in January 2026. Should DeKalb enact a local grocery tax? Here's what mayoral candidates had to say about it.

Listen to our newest podcast or read the transcript: Candidates for DeKalb Mayor talk about their top priorities ahead of the upcoming election

John Walker: When it comes to public safety in our community there is nothing that I will let stand in the way and that includes money

Kouame Sanan: In my opinion, staffing the city for first responders is necessary, and I believe it is adequate because it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Linh Nguyen: More can always be done to ease taxpayer burdens. Our airport is a tremendous opportunity that is underutilized.

Cohen Barnes: One of the key ways we will continue to ease taxpayer burdens is by attracting more retail businesses and restaurants to DeKalb