Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering launches bid for fifth term

Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering officially launched her campaign for a fifth term with a Thursday statement that included endorsements from elected officials and community leaders.

A press release states that Rotering, first elected mayor in 2011, has led Highland Park through “challenge and progress while maintaining the City’s strong financial position” and said she hopes to continue in those efforts. 

“I am running for reelection because I believe we can continue creating a city where children have every opportunity to succeed, families can put down roots, seniors can age with dignity, businesses can thrive, and every resident feels safe, heard and connected,” Rotering said in the release. “That’s a Highland Park I want to keep building together.” 

The consolidated election is on April 6, 2027. It is unclear as of press time if Rotering will face competition. The filing period for candidates is Oct. 19-26, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections 2027 Candidate’s Guide.

Rotering is a lifelong Highland Park resident and an attorney who serves on many local organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Board of Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the Northwest Municipal Conference. She holds a law degree with the University of Chicago and founded the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic.

In 2011, Rotering edged fellow community leader Terri Olian by 346 votes (51.78%-48.2%) to succeed Michael Belsky as mayor of Highland Park.

Rotering has since run unopposed in two of her three reelection bids. In the other, 2019, she won handily with more than 70% of the votes, topping resident Bob Crimo (27.63%). Crimo’s son is the convicted mass shooter in the 2022 Highland Park parade attack.

In the release, Rotering touts several achievements during her 15-year mayoral tenure, including 15 consecutive balanced budgets, a City ban on assault weapons (2013) and the response to the 2022 shooting.

She also has supported area youth, hosting mock City Council meetings featuring third-graders and appointing high-schoolers to City commissions.

U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, in the release, calls Rotering a “great partner,” demonstrating the “integrity, vision and steady leadership” for Highland Park.

Local business owner Amy Morton, of The Barn Steakhouse, said in the release that Rotering “understands that a vibrant business community is essential to Highland Park’s future.”

The release says Rotering’s campaign will begin with neighborhood conversations, community events, and ongoing opportunities for residents to share their ideas.

Notably, the City of Highland Park — via a referendum this November — is giving voters an opportunity to install term limits for elected City Hall positions; however, even if approved, the limits would not apply to Rotering and others currently holding such positions.

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