A lifelong resident of Galesburg’s south side, born and raised in Ward 3, has been nominated by Mayor Peter Schwartzman to fill the vacant alderman seat on the City Council.
The nominee is Charles “Chuck” Reynolds, who previously ran as a write-in candidate for the Ward 3 position in the April 2011 municipal election, narrowly losing to incumbent Russell Fleming by a final tally of 153 votes to 144.
Schwartzman submitted the nomination in a letter to council members dated Jan. 23, 2026. In it, the mayor emphasized Reynolds’ long-term residency and community involvement as reasons for selecting him over the other applicants.
“I have chosen Chuck over other worthy applicants because of his long term residency on the south side of Galesburg, including being born and raised in the third ward,” Schwartzman wrote. “Chuck has been a dedicated worker in Galesburg for decades, having been employed with Azer Clinic for several decades and currently working for RFMS. He has served on several boards, including the Hispanic Resource Group as well as the United Way, and has volunteered for many organizations over the years, including the Community Arts Center. He raised his two daughters in Galesburg, both of whom are currently employed in the city. Chuck is a graduate of Galesburg High School and spent time at Carl Sandburg College as well. He was previously a candidate for this position and narrowly lost despite being a write-in candidate; as such I believe many residents of Ward 3 support and trust him to represent them well. For all the above reasons, I think Chuck will make a wonderful addition to our City Council. I look forward to working with him and his fellow councilors to maintain the City’s prosperous direction.”
The vacancy opened when Ward 3 Alderman Evan Miller resigned on Dec. 15, 2025, after relocating outside the ward boundaries. Under city ordinance, the mayor nominates a replacement, with the City Council required to approve the appointment.
Schwartzman selected from three applications received by the Jan. 15 deadline: Reynolds, Steve Fawer, and Mike Nache.
This is the second time in six months the mayor has nominated a replacement alderman. In September 2025, he nominated Angelica Mangieri for the Ward 1 seat vacated by Bradley Hix, who also resigned after moving outside ward boundaries. Mangieri was subsequently approved by the council.
The City Council is expected to consider Reynolds’ nomination at the Monday, Feb. 2 meeting. If approved, he would serve the remainder of Miller’s term which expires in the spring of 2027.