Press Release: Michael Danforth, Current Lake County Board Member for the 17th District, Endorses Joe Salvi
Michael Danforth
Lake County Board Member for the 17th District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael Danforth Withdraws Name from County Board Race and Endorses Joe Salvi
Waukegan, Illinois — on December 18, 2025, Incumbent Lake County Board Member for the 17th District, Michael Danforth, announced that he will withdraw his name from the ballot for the 2026 Republican primary and will endorse Joe Salvi for the seat.
Danforth stated that after thoughtful consideration, he concluded it was the right time to step back from public office and allow a new generation of leadership to emerge. He shared that he plans to focus on his next chapter, including family and personal pursuits, rather than continue the demands of campaigning and public service.
“Serving our community has been an honor, and ensuring strong leadership going forward remains my ultimate goal,” Danforth said. “I believe the best person to run for the 17th District is Joe Salvi. His energy, leadership, and commitment to this community are exactly what we need, and I’m pleased to offer him my full support.”
Salvi, a proud father, small business owner, and Naval Reserves Officer from Barrington, currently serves as a precinct committeeman for Cuba Township. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Illinois College of Law, his political experience includes work on a successful U.S. House campaign, service in the White House, and leadership as President of the Lake County Young Republicans.
“I am thankful to Mike for his endorsement and for his years of dedicated service to the 17th District,” Salvi said. “His trust means more than I can say. I am committed to carrying forward the values we both care deeply about and serving this community with energy and integrity.”
Following Danforth’s withdrawal, Salvi will run unopposed in the Republican primary on March 17, 2026. He is set to face the Democrat opponent in the general election on November 3, 2026.
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“I believe the best person to run for the 17th District is Joe Salvi. His energy, leadership, and commitment to this community are exactly what we need, and I’m pleased to offer him my full support.”
