John Laesch Defeats Richard Irvin in Aurora Mayoral Runoff

Laesch's victory signals a leadership shift in Illinois' second-largest city as Irvin concedes after two terms as mayor.

John Laesch won the Aurora mayoral runoff election with 53.60% of the vote, defeating incumbent Richard Irvin, who garnered 46.40%.
Richard Irvin conceded late Tuesday night, marking the end of his tenure as Aurora's first Black mayor after two terms in office.
Laesch campaigned on anti-corruption and community unity, pledging to address perceived 'pay-to-play' practices in city governance.
Irvin emphasized his record on safety, education, and economic growth during his campaign but faced criticism over his 2022 gubernatorial bid as a Republican.
Laesch celebrated his victory with supporters, calling it a win for the entire Aurora community and vowing to unify the city moving forward.