Smentek wins DuPage forest preserve District 1 seat

Susan M. Smentek, a Democrat, won the race for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 1 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to unofficial results from DuPage County Clerk. Smentek received 24,555 votes, or 58.7%, to Ubriaco's 17,265 votes, or 41.3%, a margin of 7,290 votes. All 105 of 105 reporting units had reported as of 9:36 p.m.

What was at stake

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County manages nearly 25,000 acres of woods, prairies and wetlands across the county, including 145 miles of trails and 31 lakes, according to the district's website. A seven-member Board of Commissioners governs the district. Voters in each of six county districts elect one commissioner.

The key issues:

• Green space access: Smentek, an Elmhurst Park District commissioner, said in a candidate questionnaire that she wanted to protect additional land and improve trail connections in the eastern part of the county, where she said residents have less access to public green space.
• Stormwater and habitat: Ubriaco, a longtime Elmhurst Park District commissioner, listed stormwater management and native habitat restoration among her five priorities for the office.
• Fiscal stewardship: Both candidates cited experience with public budgets. Smentek pointed to her role as co-chair of the Elmhurst Park District Finance Committee. Ubriaco said she helped establish financial transparency policies during her more than 23 years on the Elmhurst Park District board.

A little history

Smentek has served as an Elmhurst Park District commissioner since 2023 and works as sponsorship and downtown park events manager for the Glen Ellyn Park District, according to her candidate questionnaire. She holds a Park and Recreation Executive credential (CPRE) and is an Illinois Master Naturalist.

Ubriaco has served as an Elmhurst Park District commissioner since 2003, according to her questionnaire. She holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of Illinois and serves as a trustee of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. She received the endorsement of the DuPage County Republican Central Committee.

What's next

The results remain unofficial. The Chicago Tribune reported that mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day can be counted for two weeks after the election, according to DuPage County Deputy Chief Clerk Adam Johnson.

Election results: DuPage County Forest Preserve Board - District 1 (Illinois General Election, 2026-11-03)

Source: DuPage County Clerk. Results current as of Nov. 3, 2026, 9:36 p.m. CST. Reporting: 105 of 105. Unofficial results; every reporting unit has reported.