Elmhurst Republican Backs Democratic County Hopeful

The candidate has the experience to manage the county's budget, the Republican said.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Two Elmhurst aldermen, Mike Brennan and Chris Jensen, have officially endorsed their colleague Guido Nardini's campaign for a DuPage County Board District 2 seat. Nardini, a Democrat, is running in the March 17 primary against Christopher Espinoza. The winner is expected to face Republican Robert "Rusty" Stevens in the November general election.

Why it matters

This bipartisan endorsement highlights the importance of pragmatism and experience over strict party affiliation in local elections, as the aldermen value Nardini's qualifications to manage the county's budget and ask tough questions over his political party.

The details

Brennan, a registered Republican who chairs the City Council's public safety committee, said he takes pride in voting for the best candidates regardless of political affiliation. He praised Nardini, a restaurateur and lifelong Elmhurst resident, for his thorough questioning and experience that will make him an asset to the DuPage County Board. Jensen, who heads the council's planning and zoning committee, also endorsed Nardini, saying he values pragmatism over partisanship.

  • Nardini was elected alderman in 2023.
  • The DuPage County Board District 2 primary election is on March 17, 2026.
  • The general election is in November 2026.

The players

Guido Nardini

An Elmhurst alderman running as a Democrat for a DuPage County Board District 2 seat.

Mike Brennan

An Elmhurst alderman and registered Republican who chairs the City Council's public safety committee.

Chris Jensen

An Elmhurst alderman who heads the council's planning and zoning committee.

Christopher Espinoza

Nardini's opponent in the Democratic primary for the DuPage County Board District 2 seat.

Robert "Rusty" Stevens

The expected Republican candidate in the general election for the DuPage County Board District 2 seat.

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What they’re saying

“Guido asked thorough questions, which made our discussions better. Guido has the experience to manage the county's budget, thoughtfulness to ask hard questions and will be an asset to the DuPage County Board.”

— Mike Brennan, Elmhurst Alderman and Public Safety Committee Chair (Patch)

“I value pragmatism over partisanship, which is why I'm proud to support Guido Nardini. I trust that he's done the work. I respect his process.”

— Chris Jensen, Elmhurst Alderman and Planning and Zoning Committee Chair (Patch)

What’s next

The winner of the March 17 Democratic primary between Nardini and Espinoza is expected to face Republican Robert "Rusty" Stevens in the November 2026 general election for the DuPage County Board District 2seat.

The takeaway

This bipartisan endorsement of Guido Nardini by two Elmhurst Republican aldermen demonstrates that local elections can transcend strict party lines when candidates have the experience, thoughtfulness, and pragmatism to effectively manage government budgets and represent their constituents.