White, Gibson, Holzhauer, Syed Poised To Win City Council Seats

NAPERVILLE, IL — With 100 percent of votes tabulted in Will and DuPage counties, Benjamin "Benny" White, Mary Gibson, Ian Holzhauer and Ashfaq Syed were poised to take the four open spots for Naperville City Council.

Here's a look at the Naperville City Council unofficial race results as of 10:36 p.m., with 100 percent of votes tabulated in DuPage County and 100 percent of precincts reporting in Will County.

City of Naperville Council Member

• Benjamin "Benny" White (incumbent): 13,873
• Mary Gibson: 12,775
• Jennifer Bruzan Taylor (incumbent): 9,127
• Ian Holzhauer (incumbent): 12,452
• Derek McDaniel: 7,794
• Meghna Bansal: 8,067
• Ashfaq Syed: 11,135
• Nag Jaiswal: 4,380

Benjamin "Benny" White

Benjamin "Benny" White has served on the Naperville City Council since 2017 and is seeking reelection for a third term. In addition to the city council, White has served on Naperville's Board of Police and Fire Commissioners and Downtown Advisory Committee, per his campaign website. He also as secretary for the Indian Prairie District 204 Board of Education.

On his campaign site, White says he will prioritize good governance, environmental sustainability, public safety and strengthening the local community.

Per his campaign site, "By focusing on these critical areas, Benny strives to create lasting opportunities for all residents while ensuring a strong foundation for future generations. His leadership is defined by collaboration, innovation, and transparency, positioning Naperville as a model community. With a proven track record, a clear vision for the future, and a passion for uniting the community, Benny White is committed to continuing his service to the city he has proudly called home since 2005."

Mary Gibson

Mary Gibson currently serves as president for the Naperville Park District Board. In the past, she served as the board's vice president and also as a commissioner on the city's Riverwalk Commission. On Gibson's campaign website, she vows to "Protect our present while building a bridge to the future, and ensure Naperville remains not only the best place to raise a family, but also a safe and prosperous place for all."

Gibson also writes she will "[f]oster unity and make decisions based on the collective good of Naperville" and "maintain fiscal responsibility, be a champion for public safety, and support government transparency and accountability."

Jennifer Bruzan Taylor

Jennifer Bruzan Taylor is seeking a second term on the Naperville City Council. She also serves on the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force, the Downtown Naperville Alliance and the Regulatory Committee of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference.

Taylor's campaign website identifies her priorities as enhancing public safety, promoting local businesses, supporting sustainability and supporting the city's first responders.

The campaign site states, "A former Cook County State's Attorney, Jennifer understands the importance of information and research. This enables her to remain a strong advocate for Naperville residents in her elected role. Jennifer has a keen understanding of the issues facing our City because she does the work and routinely communicates with residents, business owners, citizen groups, and community leaders."

Ian Holzhauer

Ian Holzhauer has served on the Naperville City Council since 2021. His experience includes serving as chairperson of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Network, per his campaign website. Holzhauer has also been on the boards of DuPage Children's Museum Next Generation, Naperville Responds for Veterans and NCTV17.

Among the priorities outlined on Holzhauer's campaign site are improving quality of life for residents, improving safety and supporting members of the city's LGBTQ+, senior and disabled communities.

His website states, "Throughout my life, Naperville has consistently ranked as the best place in America to raise a family. To be the best means we must constantly fight for our future, to renew the promise of success to another generation of Napervillians."

Derek McDaniel

Derek McDaniel has lived in Naperville for 40 years, per his campaign website. He is currently serving a second term on the city's planning and zoning commission. McDaniel also serves on the board for Naperville Citizens Appreciate Public Safety and is on the Downtown Advisory Committee.McDaniel's campaign priorities include reducing property taxes, improving local amenities and encouraging new developments.

"Derek is committed to honoring and building up on the city's enduring vision for excellence, acting with integrity, providing honest leadership and improving the high quality of life residents deserve," his campaign site states.

Meghna Bansal

Meghna Bansal serves as the commissioner for Naperville's Planning and Zoning board. She is also a part of the Naperville Downtown Advisory Board, the Indian Community Outreach Program and the KidsMatter board. In the past, she served as a Wheatland Township trustee.

On Bansal's campaign website, she identifies community wellness, public safety, education and responsible spending among her priorities for the city. She writes, "Naperville is my Home. I moved here over 20 years ago, built my business, and raised my family here. In recent years, I have witnessed Naperville changing—in the wrong direction. As a mother of two, I am deeply concerned about safety and the erosion of family values. As a finance professional, I worry about high budgets and spending. Coming from a diverse background, I am also concerned about our shared values not being adequately represented."

Ashfaq Syed

Ashfaq Syed is president of the Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees and is on the board of directors for Loaves and Fishes. Syed is also on the task force for Indian Prairie School District 204 and serves as Islamic Center of Naperville's Civic Engagement Leader.

Syed's campaign website states, "Ashfaq Syed is ready to serve. On our City Council, no one will work harder than Ashfaq to deliver for the community we all love. With his extensive experience, dedication, and passion for making a difference, Ashfaq is ready to take on the challenges facing Naperville and work towards a brighter future for all residents."

His campaign priorities include improving public safety, fostering transparency between residents and government officials and encouraging development that is both sustainable and responsible.

Nag Jaiswal

Nag Jaiswal has been a Naperville resident for 20 years. His experience includes serving on the Illinois Indian American Advisory Council, and the Naperville Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission.

Jaiswal's campaign website states, "Nag envisions Naperville’s future as a vibrant, sustainable city that rivals tech hubs like Austin—while preserving the character that makes our community special. His professional experience in digital transformation, combined with deep community involvement, has shown him both Naperville’s untapped potential and the importance of balanced growth."