Meet Your Candidate for DuPage County District 1: Melissa Villanueva
I’m Melissa Villanueva, a small business owner, economic development advocate, and lifelong community builder running as a Democrat to serve DuPage County’s District 1.
Eleven years ago, I took a leap of faith and bought a small coffee shop I found on Craigslist. With no investors and no roadmap, I built Brewpoint Coffee into a multimillion-dollar enterprise rooted right here in DuPage County. Along the way, I created spaces that uplift immigrant voices, support LGBTQ+ neighbors, and empower local entrepreneurs.
I've served as an Economic Development Commissioner in Elmhurst and as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Innovation DuPage, where I mentor small business leaders and strengthen our local economy. Through this work, I’ve learned that thriving communities aren't handed down. They're built from the ground up by people who care deeply and act boldly.
Now I'm ready to bring that experience to the County Board, to lead with vision, and to make DuPage a place where every resident can thrive.
Building Community.
Boldly.
Together.
DuPage deserves a future where our economy works for everyone. That starts with real investment in the people and small businesses that make our county strong.
As a candidate and community leader, I’m focused on:
Driving economic growth by supporting small business.
I know firsthand that local businesses build local wealth. I'll push for policies that provide real resources to entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities.Lowering the tax burden by growing the tax base.
When our business districts thrive, we don’t need to raise taxes on households to fund our future.Protecting our most vulnerable neighbors.
Whether it’s access to mental health services, housing stability, or immigrant protections, I will fight to ensure DuPage is a place where everyone is safe and supported.
We all do better when we build together. Let’s invest in policies that support people. Let’s create systems that serve, not systems that exclude.
Local Leadership Matters
Across the country, we’re watching federal protections disappear. Hard-won support systems are being dismantled. For too many people, the ground beneath them feels like it’s crumbling.
But here's the truth: We still have power. And that power lives in local government.
Local leaders are the first line of defense and the last place where real change is possible. When national politics stall, counties can act. We can pass budgets that reflect our values. We can protect civil rights. We can keep our communities safe, supported, and seen.
I didn’t set out to run for office this year. But watching these systems fail over and over again made it clear. We need leaders who understand what’s at stake. Leaders who have already been doing the work, and who are ready to scale that work up for the greater good.
I'm stepping up because I believe in DuPage. I believe we can build a county government that reflects the best of who we are and the boldest of what we can be.
Join the Movement for a bold & Resilient DuPage
What You Can Do Today
This campaign is about more than one candidate. It’s about building a movement that activates our neighbors and reclaims local government as a tool for good. Fill out the form to volunteer:
