Aurora attorney Judd Lofchie, a former Aurora City Council member who is currently on the East Aurora School District board, has announced he will run for mayor in 2025.
Lofchie, who is also a real estate broker, made his announcement last week at a networking event for Aurora Business United, an organization he founded.
“Running for mayor is not just about holding a title, it’s about making a difference and improving the lives of our residents,” said Lofchie. “I am committed to reducing spending to keep property taxes in check, fostering economic growth, easing restrictions on businesses and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”
Lofchie said he also wants to ease restrictions on businesses and residents, and promote greater transparency in government.
This would be Lofchie’s second run for mayor. He finished second in a three-way race in 2021 between current Mayor Richard Irvin and Ald. John Laesch, at large, who is also running again for mayor in 2025.
Lofchie served as the alderman from the 10th Ward from 2017 to 2021, and is currently a member of the East Aurora School District board.
Lofchie said in a news release this week that with more than three decades of service to the Aurora community, he brings a “passion for public service and a proven track record in both business and community leadership.”
More than 30 years ago, Lofchie founded StreetWise Magazine in Chicago, a publication that has helped approximately 13,500 homeless individuals by providing them resources and support to improve their lives, he said.
In addition to providing various legal and real estate services and negotiating to bring over 40 new businesses to Aurora, Lofchie volunteers his time to serve breakfast to the homeless, works at the local food pantry, and delivers groceries to seniors, multiple weekends a month, he said.
“Throughout my entire career, I’ve dedicated myself to making a positive impact,” Lofchie stated. “As mayor, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Aurora is a place where businesses can flourish, families can thrive and every individual can enjoy a good quality of life.”
Lofchie is the fifth candidate to announce their intention to file nominating petitions in December for mayor. If all five follow through, it would trigger a primary in February 2025 to narrow the field down to two for the general election April 1, 2025.
Also having announced are Laesch; Irvin; Ald. Ted Mesiacos, 3rd Ward; and Karina Garcia, Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president.
While he made an earlier announcement through a press release, Mesiacos is holding a formal announcement of his run for mayor this week.
slord@tribpub.com
