Michelle Pennington, a Republican, is running for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Three seats are open. Voters choose up to three candidates.
Asked why she is running, Pennington said in our candidate questionnaire: "I'm running because families deserve safe homes, clean water, and a government that respects their money. As a mom and business owner, I know rising property taxes squeeze household budgets and flooding can destroy what families have worked to build."
The other candidates in the race are Beth McElroy Kirkwood (Democratic), Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda (Democratic), Precious W. Brady-Davis (Democratic), Jill B. Shestokas (Republican) and Timothy E. Rueckert (Republican).
Candidate information
Residence: Pennington said in our questionnaire: "My husband and I have lived in Chicago for 25 years, making our home in Bucktown, where we own and operate our business and have raised our two children. One attends high school in the city, and the other is away at college."
Education: Pennington said in our questionnaire: "Originally from Texas, I attended DePaul University and have continued my education through professional training, civic involvement, and experiences that challenge how I see the world. … I completed StormwaterONE coursework and earned certifications in MS4s and stormwater compliance."
Family in politics or government: Pennington said in our questionnaire: "No one in my family works in politics or government. We are business owners, parents, and taxpayers who care about our community."
Experience and public service
According to BallotReady profile data, Pennington is a leasing agent at GMC Realty and managing partner at Medill Street Partners, a position she has held since 2007. She previously served as vice president at Computers for Schools and PC Rebuilders from 2001 to 2006 and as an account manager at I Works from 1999 to 2001.
Asked about her work history, Pennington said in our questionnaire: "I am a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and owner-operator with more than 20 years of experience managing properties, operations, budgets, and long-term investments."
On previous public service, Pennington said in our questionnaire: "I previously ran for Cook County Clerk because I care deeply about this county and believe residents deserve responsible, accountable government. For many years I have served as an election judge, helping neighbors participate in our democracy."
On the issues
Flooding and accountability: Pennington said in our questionnaire: "MWRD must focus on its job: protecting clean water, preventing flooding, and maintaining infrastructure. Taxpayers deserve responsible spending and results." She pointed to a specific example: "In Harvey, MWRD displaced homeowners and left properties vacant and unsecured. I spoke up and demanded action. Within days, homes were boarded and lawns mowed."
Differences from other candidates: Pennington said in our questionnaire: "The critical difference is accountability. I bring more than 20 years of business experience and a willingness to challenge decisions that fail residents. I will judge success by cleaner water, fewer flooded homes, and responsible spending."
Party affiliation: Pennington said in our questionnaire: "I am a Republican because I believe government should respect taxpayers, focus on its responsibilities, and deliver results. … One party has controlled MWRD for decades, yet communities continue to experience flooding."
Accomplishments: Pennington said in our questionnaire: "I am proud of building and running a successful real estate business, providing homes for my tenants, raising children who are becoming capable people, and sustaining a marriage of 23 years. … Managing properties means balancing budgets, maintaining buildings, planning for repairs, and responding when something goes wrong."
Candidate responses were collected through our candidate questionnaire. All answers attributed to Pennington reflect her own claims and have not been independently verified.
