The Palos Heights City Council will have at least one new member come May 2027.
While most election discussions are currently focused on the upcoming November midterm elections, nomination paperwork for the April 2027 consolidated elections will be available beginning on August 25 for individuals seeking to run for municipal offices.
In Palos Heights, one alderman seat from each ward will be up for election on April 6, and Ward 2 Alderman Robert Basso announced last week at the city council meeting he will not be seeking reelection.
“It’s been a most interesting experience, but it certainly has been a rewarding experience,” Basso said. “There’s a beginning and an end to everything, a start and a finish, I sat in the audience long enough to know that. I’ve seen people walk away from these seats, I’ve seen people be pushed away at the election booth, I’ve seen people move away, and I’ve seen people pass away. I’m not planning on doing one of those, however I will not be filing for reelection.”
Basso said that he wanted to make the announcement now so that “everybody has a fair chance to take advantage of that situation” with the nomination process opening this week. “I want to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity for everyday from August 25 until the election in April.”
Basso said he intends to stay in his seat until April and finish his term and that he will remain living in the neighborhood but that he did not feel the draw to run for office again.
Along with Basso’s seat, the seats of Aldermen Brent Lewandowski, Michael McGrogan, and Jefferey Key are up for reelection. None of the three aldermen indicated they would not seek reelection following Basso’s announcement.
In 2025, only one alderman, Basso’s fellow Ward 2 alderman Jack Clifford, faced an election opponent. Key also challenged Mayor Robert Straz for his seat but was defeated.
Nominating petitions for the municipal elections will be available online at the city website or in physical form at the city hall.
Potential candidates must have their paperwork and nominating signatures turned in between November 16 and 23 in order to qualify for the April ballot.
