Wilmette, IL

Wilmette has long been one of the most reliably Democratic communities in Illinois, and that reputation has only solidified over the past decade. The Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI) for the area sits at D+19, meaning the village votes about 19 points more Democratic than the national average. That’s a full 12 points bluer than the state of Illinois as a whole, which has a Cook PVI of D+7. In practical terms, you can expect Democratic presidential candidates to carry Wilmette by margins of 65-70% or more, and local offices like state representative and county commissioner have been held by Democrats for years without serious Republican challenges. The trajectory is toward even deeper blue territory, driven by an influx of highly educated professionals from Chicago and a younger generation of families who prioritize progressive policies on climate, schools, and social equity.

How it compares

Wilmette’s D+19 PVI makes it one of the most Democratic suburbs in the entire Chicago metro area, but it’s not an outlier. Neighboring communities like Winnetka (D+18) and Kenilworth (D+16) are similarly liberal, while Glencoe and Highland Park to the north also lean heavily Democratic. The real contrast comes when you drive just a few miles west or south. For example, Northbrook and Glenview are still blue but closer to D+10 or D+12, and once you hit Arlington Heights or Mount Prospect, the numbers drop into the D+5 to D+8 range. Head further out to places like Barrington or Lake Zurich, and you’ll find Republican-leaning pockets. Even within Cook County, Wilmette stands out: the county as a whole is D+15, so Wilmette is actually a bit more Democratic than the county average. Compared to Illinois as a whole, which is D+7, Wilmette is in a different political universe—more like Evanston (D+22) or Oak Park (D+20) than the rest of the state.

What this means for residents

For liberal residents, Wilmette’s political climate means their values are reflected in local governance. The village board, school board, and library board are all reliably progressive, which translates into policies like robust funding for public schools, sustainability initiatives (Wilmette has a Climate Action Plan targeting net-zero emissions by 2050), and inclusive community programs. Conservative residents, meanwhile, are a distinct minority but not invisible. You’ll find them in local Republican clubs and at village board meetings where they often raise concerns about property taxes—which are high, even by Illinois standards—and push back on what they see as overreach in zoning or spending. In practice, being a conservative in Wilmette means you’re unlikely to see your preferred candidates win local elections, but you’re also not marginalized; the community is generally civil and respectful, and many issues like school quality and public safety enjoy broad bipartisan support. The real tension isn’t between left and right so much as between different factions of the Democratic coalition—for instance, between newer residents who want denser, more walkable development and longtime homeowners who prize the village’s quiet, suburban character.

Culturally, Wilmette’s political lean shows up in everyday life. The village is home to the Baháʼí House of Worship, a symbol of interfaith unity that draws visitors from around the world, and the local library and park district regularly host events on diversity and inclusion. You’ll see more “Black Lives Matter” signs than “Thin Blue Line” flags, and the farmers market is a hub for organic, locally sourced goods. That said, Wilmette is still a wealthy, predominantly white suburb, and its progressive politics sometimes clash with the realities of economic privilege. The school district, New Trier Township High School, is one of the best in the state but also one of the most expensive to fund, and debates over equity in admissions and resource allocation are ongoing. Looking ahead, Wilmette’s political trajectory seems set: as the Chicago metro area continues to diversify and the national Democratic Party shifts left, the village will likely remain a stronghold of liberal suburban politics, with occasional internal debates over how far and how fast to push change.