Even though she resigned from the Spring Valley village president role in January before her term was complete, voters re-elected Theresa Koch to the position April 1 over write-in candidate and President Pro Tem Brad Jorgenson, who stepped into the role after Koch’s resignation.

Koch received 313 votes, while Jorgenson garnered 212.

Koch said she is highly honored to be re-elected to a second term, and she doesn’t take the role lightly.

“From my first day of campaigning two years ago, I stated that I was not a politician,” Koch said. “And I do not plan to be. I am here as a voice for the people. To listen to the residents, my

neighbors and friends. That is what I did and still plan to do going forward.”

Koch said her decision to resign Jan. 31, 2025 was “extremely difficult,” though she didn’t give a specific reason for her departure.

“This caused me to miss the only board meetings of my entire term. I am so grateful to Brad Jorgenson, my interim, for stepping up and taking the reins. Spring Valley is blessed to have such great citizens,” Koch said. “I was then reminded that the same people I was there to help were also there to help me. My neighbors, friends, and Spring Valley residents. I was reminded that the truth, honesty, and our community are my strength. And through them, we can overcome anything. As a community united, we can achieve great things. In a world that can be nasty and dark, there is light and kindness.”

Koch went on to say she’s eager to work on the village board again and help make Spring Valley a “wonderful and safe place to live and raise our children.”

“This term, I am hoping we can learn to be kind to our neighbors. Work together as one and create one true vision for our future. Together,” Koch said.

Jorgenson, who will finish out his trustee term, said he is looking forward to working together to grow the community in a positive direction.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to serve the community as President Pro Tem over the past few months. I’ve truly enjoyed collaborating with fellow leaders to address key issues and drive positive change,” Jorgenson said. “The sense of responsibility to help improve the lives of our residents has been deeply fulfilling. As I finish out my term this next year as a Trustee, I look forward to continuing my work in making a tangible impact. Regarding the future, I’m keeping my options open—my focus remains on what’s best for the community, and I’ll always be here to serve in whatever capacity the people need.”

Koch will be sworn in at the Tuesday, April 15 annual meeting, which starts at 6:15 p.m.

Here is a rundown of how other local village board, city council, school board and town board elections panned out.