Hortsman Secures Spot As Oak Forest Mayor: 2025 Election Results

OAK FOREST, IL — With all precincts reporting, it appears James Hortsman has secured the spot as the first new mayor of Oak Forest in nearly two decades.

With longtime Mayor Hank Kuspa stepping back, three battled for his spot. Current 6th Ward Alderman James Hortsman appears to have secured the win as of 9 p.m. Election Day.

Check in here for vote totals as they come in. Results are unofficial until certified by county clerks.

As of 8:58 p.m. p.m., 16 of 16 precincts reporting

• Ken Keeler: 1,066
• Donald Guisinger: 595
• James Hortsman: 1,372

Ahead of the election, Patch sent a questionnaire to all candidates. Their answers are available in candidate profiles linked below:

• Donald Guisinger
• James Hortsman
• Ken Keeler

In his questionnaire, Guisinger stressed building out the economic development department, to help attract new businesses to the city's struggling stretches. He also wants to see the city's streets cleaned of litter and debris.

"My vision is to see this city grow into a vibrant and thriving community," Guisinger said. "I'm running because I believe we're on the wrong path, and because I’m invested in this city, I want to put us on the right path so the next generation can feel safe and confident in starting their families here."

See more of his answers here.

Current 6th Ward Alderman Hortsman would focus on bringing in businesses to our city and working beside the administrative team "to ensure that we continually grow and improve.
"We will be having three bargaining units coming to the table, which will require great attention. We need to continue to be fiscally sound with all the items we have, especially infrastructure. We have been working diligently on infrastructure."

See more of his answers here.

Candidate and businessman Keeler wants to focus on sidewalk and street repair, planting and maintenance of trees, and making Oak Forest more business friendly.

See more of his answers here.