Elburn Herald, Shaw Media, March 20, 2026
Kane County small-town mayor – now GOP nominee for Congress – preps for run against Rep. Bill Foster
The first thing Jeff Walter plans to do after presumptively securing the Republican nomination for Illinois’ 11th Congressional District is take some time off.
The village president of Elburn and his wife were planning a week’s vacation, he said on Tuesday night as returns rolled in and he had an early lead against three opponents in the GOP primary.
Kane County Reporter, Shaw Media, May 20, 2026
Elburn Resolution Opposes the BUILD Act as Mayor Jeff Walter calls losing local control of zoning “quite frightful”
The Village of Elburn is among several towns opposing the BUILD Act, arguing it would expand state control over local zoning and reshape suburban development.
Elburn’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution formally opposing the bill on May 18, citing concerns about state mandates, infrastructure strain and reduced local control.
Elburn Herald, Shaw Media, June 9, 2025
Elburn village president eyes Bill Foster’s congressional seat, announces run
Elburn Village President Jeff Walter has thrown his hat in the ring for Congress and running for the Republican nomination for the 11th Illinois Congressional District. Democrat Bill Foster currently holds the seat.
Walter began his public service at 18 years old when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served in active duty for nine years, and spent the next 13 years in the reserves. When he and his family moved to Elburn, he was elected to the village board in 2009, where he served as a village trustee for two terms before being elected village president. This April he was re-elected for a third term.
Elburn Herald, Shaw Media November 11, 2023
Jeff Walter’s time in the U.S. Navy is part of a life of service
Elburn village president said Navy helped him learn about leadership
For Jeff Walter, joining the U.S. Navy was an easy decision. At age 18, he had recently graduated from high school and wasn’t quite ready for college. His parents, who had immigrated from Germany in the 1950s, were grateful to the U.S. for the life they were able to make for themselves.
Walter and his siblings were raised to give back and serve their community. So it was a natural inclination to want to serve his country. Walter joined the Navy as a “cryptologic technician interpretive” – otherwise known as a linguist.
WTTW, March 17, 2026
WTTW Primary Guide
Learn more about Jeff and his positions.
Why are you running?
I am running for Congress because I believe our country needs principled, experienced leaders who understand how government decisions affect real communities—not just Washington talking points. I’ve spent my career solving complex problems, managing large organizations, and delivering results, and I’ve spent years serving my neighbors at the local level as Mayor of Elburn.