# Council names Jonathan Nieuwsma as acting mayor in 5-4 vote

Fourth Ward Council Member Jonathan Nieuwsma. Credit: Richard Cahan Councilmember Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th Ward) was appointed the city’s acting mayor Monday night, Oct. 26, taking office as Evanston’s temporary head for the next half-year until voters can elect a permanent successor to former Mayor Daniel Biss next spring. The full City Council appointed Nieuwsma on a 5-4 vote at 10:48 p.m., near the end of the meeting. Cook County Circuit Court Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste swore him in immediately. “I don’t want to be mayor either,” Nieuwsma said during discussion, referring to several

https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/10/26/city-council-picks-acting-mayor/

Image: https://evanstonroundtable.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DSC0403-1024x683.jpg

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Created: 2026-10-27T04:14:38.732664+00:00

Last edited: 2026-10-27T04:14:38.732664+00:00

Board: 3

Origin: Syndicated

Original source: https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/10/26/city-council-picks-acting-mayor/