LOCAL

Election 2025: Here's who's running in a three-way race for Rockford's Fifth Ward

Portrait of Jeff Kolkey Jeff Kolkey
Rockford Register Star

Ald. Gabrielle Torina, D-5, will face a pair of challengers as she seeks re-election in the Feb. 25 primary.

Virgil Hobson, 57, and Christopher Williams, 49, both Democrats will appear on the ballot for Rockford's Fifth Ward.

With three Democrats and no Republicans vying to represent southwest Rockford, the primary likely will decide the outcome of the election. Early voting started Jan. 16.

All three candidates grew up in Rockford and are Jefferson High School graduates.

Torina said she is seeking a second term to continue the progress the city is making, like the redevelopment of the former Barber-Colman industrial campus.

"While in office, I’ve driven tangible change, including public art installations, bustling festivals and securing key developments like Barber-Colman," Torina said. "This progress is just the beginning, and there’s still much work to do to realize the full potential of our community."

Hobson, a Rockford Public Schools community liaison, said he is running because Fifth Ward residents have been ignored for too long.

"I want to change that," Hobson said. "I want to be a voice for the people — someone who doesn’t just sit in meetings but shows up in the community, listens to concerns, and fights for real solutions."

Williams, who works in human resources, also said he believes the Fifth Ward is being overlooked. Williams declined to provide a campaign photo.

"If elected, I aim to advocate for policies that enhance public safety, improve city services, and elevate the overall quality of life for residents," Williams said.

The Register Star sent questionnaires to City Council candidates in contested races on the Feb. 25 primary ballot. Here are some of their responses.

Gabrielle Torina

Ald. Gabrielle Torina, D-5, is seeking re-election to a second term in the Feb. 25 primary.

Age: 44

Occupation: Principal consultant/founder of Riche Black Public Relations

Family: Grandparents The Rev. Samuel and Irene Brown; mother Helen Brown-Torina; aunts Sally and Janice Brown

Education: Jefferson High School, 1998; Judson University, Communications Management, 2017; Northwestern University, Communications, 2019.

Hobbies/Interests: Art. Jazz. Food. Repeat.

How do you feel about Rockford? I’ve never been more excited to live in Rockford. Its immense potential drove me to become a public servant, and projects like Colman Yards are transforming that potential into progress. Generations of hard work are paying off, and promises that once felt distant are being fulfilled, which position Rockford for prosperity.

What are Rockford's most pressing challenges?

Quality Education: Our school system performance doesn’t reflect the high taxes we pay, with low graduation rates and students unprepared for the jobs we’re creating. Thriving infrastructure projects mean little if families don’t want to move here or send their children to our schools. Beyond the work we’ve accomplished with Rockford Promise, City officials must apply pressure to district leadership to ensure our education system meets the needs of current and future generations.

Affordable Housing: While I’ve supported market-rate housing, we’re not making data-driven decisions to address our citywide need for affordable housing. The city must align its economic development department to include dedicated staff focused solely on housing.

Poverty Mitigation: Rockford fails to adequately invest in its Health & Human Services Department, leaving our most vulnerable residents underserved. Infrastructure alone won’t solve crime or educational challenges; we need a robust, funded strategy to tackle poverty directly.

Virgil Hobson

Virgil Hobson of Rockford is a candidate for Fifth Ward alderman in the Feb. 25 primary election.

Age: 57

Occupation: Family and community engagement liaison for Rockford Public Schools

Family: Wife, Larizabel Hobson, daughter, Destiny, 12.

Education: Jefferson High School, 1985.

How do you feel about Rockford? Rockford is my home. It’s where I was born, raised, and built my life. I’ve seen firsthand both the challenges we’ve faced and the resilience of our community. This city is full of hardworking, passionate people who care deeply about their neighbors and neighborhoods. While we’ve made progress, many areas of Rockford — especially in Ward 5 — continue to feel left behind. Streets need repairs, small businesses need support, and our youth need more opportunities to succeed.

What are Rockford's most pressing challenges?

Empowering youth and families: Rockford’s future depends on the success of its youth and the well-being of families. I would advocate for more after-school programs, mentorship opportunities and partnerships with local organizations to provide safe spaces and positive pathways for kids. Supporting families and youth now will help reduce crime and build stronger communities in the long term. 

Boosting small businesses: Small businesses are vital to Rockford’s economy, but many struggle to get the support they need. As alderman, I would push for grants, loans and simplified processes to help businesses start, grow and thrive. By investing in local entrepreneurs, we can create more jobs and bring new energy to our neighborhoods. 

Championing marginalized communities: Too many communities in Rockford feel left behind when it comes to resources and decision-making. I would fight for policies that ensure equitable distribution of resources and give every resident a voice.

Christopher Williams

Age: 49

Occupation: Relocation Engineer for Blake HR Partners

Education: Jefferson High School, 1993; Northern Illinois University, sociology, 1999.

Hobbies/Interests: Fitness, learning, educating and empowering people

How do you feel about Rockford? While I deeply appreciate many aspects of our city, there are also areas where improvement is needed. I have witnessed the city make progress toward regaining its potential as a thriving community, but I’ve also seen opportunities slip away that could have fostered greater equality for all Rockfordians.

What are Rockford’s three most pressing challenges?

Lack of vision for economic growth: Rockford needs a clear, forward-thinking strategy that harnesses our existing resources and drives sustainable economic development. As alderman, I would bring a fresh perspective on leveraging our strengths to build a more prosperous future.

Underinvestment in education: Our education system is the foundation of a thriving community. I would collaborate with local leaders to create policies that prioritize enhancing the quality of education and ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Unequal distribution of resources: The gap between the east and west sides of the river needs to be addressed. I would work diligently to ensure equitable development across the city, advocating for policies that foster balanced growth and opportunities for all neighborhoods.

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at  (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.