Elmhurst Coffee Shop Founder Brews Campaign for DuPage County Board
Melissa Villanueva speaks with potential supporters at her campaign launch event on Aug. 25. (PC: Bondi Francesco)
Melissa Villanueva, the founder and CEO of Brewpoint Coffee, officially launched her campaign as a Democratic candidate for DuPage County Board, District 1. The district includes representation for Addison, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Elmhurst, Itasca, Roselle, and Wood Dale.
Villanueva’s launch party was held on Monday, Aug. 25, in Brewpoint Craft Elmhurst at 617 N. York St., located about 1.5 miles away from Elmhurst University.
Villanueva began her speech by recounting her search 11 years ago for an espresso machine on Craigslist. She ended up leaving with what she described as a broken-down, unprofitable coffee shop in need of attention, but full of potential.
“Over time, Brewpoint became so much more than a business. It became a place where community isn’t just welcomed, it’s built,” said Villanueva. “A place where strangers become neighbors. Where elected officials speak truth. Where activists organize for justice. Where young entrepreneurs see opportunity. Where every person, regardless of race, sexuality, or immigration status, finds dignity, affirmation, and belonging.”
However, Villanueva said, Brewpoint’s values of community, transparency, justice, and inclusion are under attack.
“Nationally, our leaders are abusing power. They’re spreading lies and targeting the most vulnerable of us. And those decisions made at a national level cascade here, into DuPage County,” Villanueva said, highlighting a need for attainable housing, food security, and transportation accessibility.
“When things fall apart, we don’t run. We build,” Villanueva continued. “When a convicted criminal in the White House threatens to send the National Guard into Chicago, what keeps us safe is not militarization. Real safety comes from strong communities, from mental health services, from well-funded first responders working together.”
In addition to being a small business owner, Villanueva has worked as an economic development advocate, serving as an economic development commissioner in Elmhurst and as entrepreneur in residence at Innovation DuPage.
“I am running for DuPage County Board not because I have walked this path before,” Villanueva said, noting that this is her first time running for elected office. “But because I have built paths before.”
Melissa Villanueva speaks with potential supporters at her campaign launch event on Aug. 25. (PC: Bondi Francesco)
Villanueva went on to express hope that a government rooted in compassion is not only possible, but necessary, and that DuPage County can be a beacon of inclusion, equity, and shared prosperity.
The Democratic hopeful vowed to fight for attainable housing, which she referred to as economic justice. She also promised to advocate for better infrastructure for working families, as well as making it easier for small business owners to access county programs.
“Above all, I will work to build a DuPage where every person, no matter who they are or where they’re from, has a chance not to just get by, but to thrive,” said Villanueva.
As she wrapped up her speech, Villanueva acknowledged that she faces both a competitive primary and a competitive general election. She asked supporters to donate, volunteer, and promote her grassroots campaign to the best of their abilities.
“I ask you tonight: Will you build with me? Will you walk this road with me?” Villanueva asked. “Will you believe with me that community’s not just a feeling, it is a force to be reckoned with?”
Primary elections for DuPage County Board are scheduled to be held on March 17, 2026, with general elections being held on Nov. 3, 2026.
