Beth McElroy Kirkwood, a Democrat and sitting member of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners, is running for a full term in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
The district manages wastewater treatment and stormwater systems across Cook County, including infrastructure that affects flooding and water quality in North Shore communities. Three seats are on the ballot. Voters choose up to three candidates.
Kirkwood faces Democrats Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda and Precious W. Brady-Davis and Republicans Jill B. Shestokas, Michelle Pennington and Timothy E. Rueckert.
Candidate information
- Party: Democratic
- Office sought: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners (three seats; voters choose up to three)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in education, Benedictine University
- Profession: Certified English as a Second Language teacher, according to her district biography; educator at Orland School District 135 since 2009, according to BallotReady
Experience and public service
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker appointed Kirkwood to fill a vacant seat on the board in December 2024, according to her district biography. She has served as chair and vice chair of the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees, where she has been a board member since 2019, according to BallotReady.
Kirkwood has also served as a member of the Orland Park Zoning Board of Appeals, the Orland Park Open Lands Fund Commission and the Orland Park Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, according to her district biography and campaign website. She has been a committeeperson at the Orland Township Democratic Organization since December 2021, according to her WTTW Voters Guide response.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Kirkwood's responses to the WTTW 2026 Primary Election Voters Guide questionnaire.
Stormwater and flooding: Kirkwood said reducing sewage overflows requires investment in existing infrastructure along with expanded green infrastructure. She cited permeable pavement, green alleys, rain gardens, bioswales, detention basins and green schoolyards as tools to capture water before it reaches combined sewers.
Water quality and public health: Kirkwood said the district can improve waterway conditions by reducing nutrient pollution, investing in modern treatment technologies and expanding green infrastructure. She supports real-time water quality monitoring and clear public alerts so residents can make informed decisions.
Emerging contaminants: Kirkwood said the district plays a role in addressing emerging contaminants through nutrient reduction, treatment upgrades and advocacy for source control. She said she supports legislation such as extended producer responsibility and the PFAS TRUST Act to prevent harmful substances from entering the system.
Water infrastructure investment: Kirkwood said she would prioritize investments that reduce flooding, improve water quality and advance equity. She named expanding green infrastructure in communities with chronic flooding, modernizing treatment plants, investing in water reuse to protect Lake Michigan and advocating for state and federal funding.
Aquatic invasive species: Kirkwood said preventing invasive species is essential to protecting the Chicago Area Waterway System and Lake Michigan. She said the district should continue working with state and federal partners on monitoring and infrastructure solutions.
Endorsements
The following endorsements were claimed by the endorsing organizations, according to BallotReady:
- IUOE Local 150
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134
- Chicago Federation of Labour
- Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600
- Citizen Action Illinois
- Cook County Democrats
Candidate positions and experience statements are based on Kirkwood's own responses to the WTTW Voters Guide questionnaire, her district biography and her campaign website unless otherwise noted. North Shore Weekly did not interview the candidate.
