Will County District 2 Candidates Clash Over Property Taxes, Solar Panels

Incumbents Judy Ogalla and Frankie Pretzel face challenger Neil 'Muggsy' Gallagher in Republican primary

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The race for Will County Board District 2 features two incumbent Republicans, Judy Ogalla and Frankie Pretzel, facing a challenge from fellow Republican Neil 'Muggsy' Gallagher in the March 17 primary. The top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election, where they will face Democrat Bob Howard. Key issues in the race include property taxes, solar energy development, and transportation infrastructure.

Why it matters

Will County's District 2 covers a large swath of the county's eastern region, including areas of New Lenox, Manhattan, Peotone and the Indiana border. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the county's policies on taxation, renewable energy, and community development.

The details

Ogalla and Pretzel are running as a team, touting their records of opposing tax increases. Gallagher, who has pulled Democratic ballots in the past, has been accused by the incumbents of trying to "sneak" into the Republican primary. Gallagher maintains conservative values, especially on immigration, and says he has supported more moderate candidates in Democratic primaries when Republican races were uncontested. The candidates also differ on the issue of solar energy development, with the incumbents expressing concerns about the loss of farmland to large-scale solar projects, while Gallagher suggests the county could generate revenue by leasing forest preserve land to solar firms.

  • The March 17 Republican primary will determine the two candidates who will advance to the November general election.
  • The County Board will continue to grapple with solar energy development proposals in the coming years.

The players

Judy Ogalla

A Will County Board member since 2012 and the president of the Will County Forest Preserve District board. She is running for reelection on a platform of opposing tax increases and supporting public health and safety initiatives.

Frankie Pretzel

A Will County Board member since 2020 and the chairman of the board's Land Use and Development Committee. He is running for reelection on a platform of lowering property taxes and supporting law enforcement.

Neil 'Muggsy' Gallagher

A challenger in the Republican primary who has pulled Democratic ballots in the past. He says he maintains conservative values, especially on immigration, and wants to focus on issues like reducing spending and addressing traffic and crime.

Bob Howard

The only Democrat who filed to run for the two, 2-year terms in District 2. He previously ran for the post four years ago.

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What they’re saying

“I personally think Democratic primaries and Republican primaries should be safe zones. Actions speak louder than words.”

— Judy Ogalla, Will County Board member (Chicago Tribune)

“I can't in good conscience vote for something that I don't support. So when the residents of that community come or when a mayor … comes to me and gives a good reason why this project isn't a good fit for that community, I'll be a no every time. If that means we will have to go to court, then so be it.”

— Frankie Pretzel, Chairman, Will County Board's Land Use and Development Committee (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The March 17 Republican primary will determine the two candidates who will advance to the November general election, where they will face Democrat Bob Howard.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing tensions in Will County over issues like property taxes, renewable energy development, and transportation infrastructure. The outcome could shape the county's policies on these key concerns for years to come.