JOLIET, IL – On Thursday, Will County Executive Larry Walsh revealed he will not run for a fifth term of political influence in the 2020 elections. Walsh is one of the most prominent public servants across Will County. His upcoming retirement has prompted several local politicians and public officials to start contemplating making a run for that office. The clock is ticketing for the campaigning to start.

On Monday, Will County Clerk Lauren Staley-Ferry will make available the petition packets for 2020 political candidates.

On Friday, Patch reached out to the Will County Executive’s office seeking comment from Walsh’s long-time chief of staff Nick Palmer because sources have told Patch that Palmer is seriously considering a run for the job. If Palmer runs for the job, he may garner the public support of Larry Walsh Sr.

As of 1:30 p.m. Friday, Palmer had not issued a formal press release declaring his candidacy. Palmer, who has lived in Wheatland Township, has worked for Walsh the past 15 years.

On Friday, Patch also contacted the Office of State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for comment on whether she plans to run for Will County Executive, even if Palmer runs for the position.

However, her staff told Patch they are prohibited by state ethics laws from commenting on topics such as running for political offices during the work day.

A third possible candidate for Will County Executive whose name is also being circulated by sources affiliated with the Young Democrats of Will County is Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk.

The Joliet criminal defense lawyer and former Joliet Police officer ran unopposed in his re-election bid in April, marking the first time in decades that Joliet’s non-partisan mayor’s race did not have a contested race.

Patch also caalled O’Dekirk on Friday afternoon inquiring about his possible run for Will County Executive but he was unavailable for comment.

Who will be the first candidate to make a formal announcement for Will County Executive?

Will it be Palmer? Will be Bertino-Tarrant? Will be it Mayor O’Dekirk?

Will it be someone else?

Stick with Joliet Patch as your primary news source when it comes to coverage of the 2020 Will County government elections.