Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 – Posted by Rich Miller

* WTVO…

Mayor Tom McNamara, Rockford’s elected mayor since 2017, is stepping down to become chief executive officer of the Illinois Municipal League, ending his tenure before the completion of his third term.

“Serving as the mayor of the City of Rockford has been the sincerest honor of my life,” McNamara said at a Monday press conference. “Our greatest accomplishment over the last nine years…is that Rockford believes in itself again.”

McNamara is set to depart at the end of August. His departure will trigger a transition process outlined in Illinois law and the city’s municipal code, beginning on Sept. 1, 2026.

The Rockford City Council will select a sitting alderman to serve as interim mayor until voters choose a successor in a special election next spring. The winner will serve the remainder of McNamara’s current four-year term.

* Rep. Maurice West just happens to live in Rockford…

Just sayin.

* Isabel reached out to Rep. West, but we haven’t yet heard back. We’ll let you know if we hear anything from him.