Carolyn Ubriaco, a Republican, is running for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 1 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Democrat Susan M. Smentek.

Asked why she is seeking the office, Ubriaco said in our candidate questionnaire: "This is the kind of work that I have done for over 30 years. It's what I love to do. DuPage has more than 26,000 acres of woods, prairie, wetland, and trail. I will protect and restore our natural areas and acquire land parcels using the grit and leadership skills honed from over 23 years as a park commissioner."

She listed five priorities: "1. Protect open space, restore natural areas and acquire land in District 1. 2. Expand and keep trails and facilities safe and open to every age and ability. 3. Care for tax dollars with transparency and create lasting value for you and future generations. 4. Establish partnerships that grow community talent, magnify resources and develop appreciation for a healthy and beautiful ecosystem. 5. Treat stormwater as a resource for native habitats and keep problem flooding out of neighborhoods."

Candidate information

Party: "Republican"

Education: "University of Illinois, Gies College of Business, B.S. Accounting" and "IAPD Leadership Institute"

Family: "Married 40 years with 3 children"

Occupation and work history: "I work for Christians Against Poverty to provide free one-on-one professional debt coaching and budget education to help anyone escape the misery of debt and transform their lives … Application Development Manager for Sales, Marketing & Customer Service … Financial Business Manager for complex high-technology manufacturing … Financial Auditor … Independent Frequency and Loyalty Marketing Consultant to the largest cultural arts association in the Chicagoland area … Artist"

The DuPage County Republican Central Committee has endorsed Ubriaco, according to the party's website.

Experience and public service

Previous and current elected or appointed offices: "23+ Year Elmhurst Park District Commissioner, elected 2003, 2009, 2015, 2021 … Illinois Association of Park Districts Trustee … Illinois Trust, Trustee and Audit Committee Chair"

Asked about accomplishments that show she can handle the job, Ubriaco said: "I led the park board through complex agreements involving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, the City of Elmhurst and others on issues including critical stormwater mitigation. I helped raise funds for and establish the Playground for Everyone, an accessible playground among the first of its kind in DuPage County. I worked to eliminate the use of glyphosate by the Elmhurst Park District."

She also cited a 2024 referendum. Ubriaco said she "presented a formal board proposal to start the fact-finding steps and community engagement that led to a successful 2024 referendum and new Wagner Community Center set to open in 2027."

Ubriaco added that she "helped establish financial policies that provide transparency over payments and a Whistleblower Ordinance."

On the issues

Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Ubriaco said: "I've led community organizations for over 30 years including 23 years as an Elmhurst Park Commissioner with terms as president and vice-president. Commissioners statewide elected me to the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees to help park, recreation, special recreation, conservation and forest preserve district leaders become better leaders."

She said she takes "a multidisciplinary approach to opportunities" and prioritizes "healthy ecosystems, strong communities and inclusion."

Best advice ever received: "Don't settle. Expect the best."