ROCHELLE – Mayor John Bearrows announced Monday night during the Rochelle City Council meeting that he will not seek reelection in 2027. Bearrows is a lifelong Rochelle resident and has owned and operated Bearrows Real Estate and Auction Company since 1975. He joined the Rochelle City Council in 2017 and was elected mayor in 2019. Bearrows said he will remain committed to serving the city through the end of his term.
“After a great deal of thought, prayer, and many conversations with my wife and my family, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election in April of 27. This has not been an easy decision because serving as your mayor has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Bearrows said.
“My decision not to seek another term does not mean my work here is finished by any means. I remain fully committed to serving the citizens of Rochelle with the same energy, dedication, and passion in making those hard decisions through my final day in office when the new mayor is seated.”
Bearrows said there is still important work to complete before the next mayor takes office and thanked the community for the opportunity to serve.