Mayor John Laesch
John Laesch is the 60th Mayor of Aurora, Illinois
On April 1, 2025, he won against former Mayor Richard Irvin in a monumental race.
He is known for his unwavering commitment to populist issues.
John Laesch was Alderman-at-Large from 2023 to 2025 and a former East Aurora School Board Member who served from 2015 to 2019. During this service period, Laesch was one of the early voices supporting the historic decision to get buses for East Aurora students.
After a tumultuous period of high turnover, Laesch was a strong supporter of hiring a long-term superintendent, and after 2 years of interims, he won the long game.
Laesch stood alone in advocating for a living wage for all district employees and the employees of subcontractors. He was the lone voice advocating for a gender-neutral bathroom when students requested one, and he continued to push for electric buses, an idle-free zone in front of schools, a green building curriculum, and a deep energy retrofit for the new administrative center.
Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and older brother, Laesch became a union carpenter. He is a “green builder” and has earned credentials as a BPI-certified energy auditor and envelope specialist. He understands the technical aspects of making commercial and residential living spaces energy-efficient. He follows federal, state, and municipal legislative initiatives, and he understands the policy side of the green building world.
In 2009, Laesch advocated for a green building program at the Carpenters' Elk Grove Training Center. John is a well-informed climate activist who will bring that level of experience to the city council.
John served in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Analyst in the Middle East from 1995-1999. He earned numerous citations and developed useful research skills that will help him dig into important issues and find solutions for our city. He is a natural at uncovering pay-to-play schemes.
With a strong focus on social justice, environmental sustainability, and inclusive policies, he seeks to lead Aurora toward a more equitable and forward-thinking future.