Good Government Advocate and Notable Whistleblower Wendy Meister Announces Candidacy for Lake County Board

A long-time resident of the 3rd District, Wendy is running to ensure that Lake County’s Board is ready to push back against Trump’s dangerous agenda.

(Lake County, Illinois) – Wendy Meister, a trustee of the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection Board, announced her candidacy for election to the Lake County Board – 3rd District – in the March 17, 2026, Democratic primary election.

A long-time advocate for local government efficiency, Wendy Meister has a record of taking on powerful interests and winning. As a whistle-blower, she exposed reckless spending in Lake County Government and led the charge to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

While the Trump administration is stripping safety net protections and programs, Wendy will fight to eliminate waste so that those in need receive basic social services.  Wendy says, “Nobody should go hungry, our children deserve a quality education, and our immigrant community should not live in fear.  Now, more than ever, we should not be wasting precious local tax dollars.”  

As a grassroots organizer, Wendy has worked tirelessly to elect candidates committed to good government, to end public waste, and for property tax reform.  Her no-nonsense, “let’s get it done,” attitude has won her broad recognition as a progressive reformer who achieves results. 

 “Wendy is a doer who knows how local government can improve the lives of our families and neighbors,” said Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. “At a time when federal funds are at risk, Wendy will protect vital services and find ways to maximize the value of every tax dollar spent by Lake County government.”

Lake County Circuit Court Clerk Erin Cartwright Weinstein added, “Wendy is a known and respected voice on Lake County budget policy. Her background in criminal justice and her understanding of the court system will ensure Lake County residents have equal access to our justice system.”

Holding a Master’s Degree in Architecture and a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice, Wendy has planned courthouses, correctional facilities, public and affordable housing, and commercial facilities. Currently, she travels throughout Lake County collecting data for the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Survey on Drug Use and Health. She’ll bring her diverse expertise and knowledge to help make Lake County a better place to live. Wendy has leveraged her skills to advance public policy and build a better environment.

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said, “Wendy is a visionary and brings a refreshing approach to solving problems.  I look forward to her leadership on the County Board.”

State Representative Joyce Mason added, “Wendy has been a tireless advocate for Lake County and has worked with all units of government to help people across the county.  She is compassionate and a true leader in the community. I know she will be a reliable partner working with state legislators to advance policies that help all the families of Lake County.”