"I'm not looking for a seat, I'm looking to serve." The mission that started right here in Forest Park continues — stronger families, safer neighborhoods, brighter futures.
About Duane
Duane Thomas has spent years showing up for Forest Park — as a mentor, a neighbor, and an organizer. In 2025, he ran to serve Ward 1. The votes fell short that November, but the work never stopped: the mentoring continued, the community events continued, and the belief that Forest Park deserves tireless leadership only grew stronger.
That campaign was never about one ward. It was about one city — and that commitment has only deepened. Now it's Ward 5's turn.
This isn't a candidate jumping from ward to ward looking for a title. It's the same mission, the same neighborhoods, and the same promise — continued. Even after Election Day, the goal remains unchanged: building stronger families, safer neighborhoods, and brighter futures in Forest Park.
10+
Years of community service
200+
Young men mentored through the Change Center Mentoring Group
1
City worth fighting for
The Plan
Real public safety starts with relationships. Duane will champion neighborhood watch partnerships, better street lighting, and youth engagement programs that keep Ward 5 streets safe before problems start — not after.
From after-school mentorship to connecting families with the services they need, Duane has done this work for years without a title. On council, he'll fight for the funding and programs that help Forest Park families thrive.
Every kid in Ward 5 deserves a park worth playing in and a future worth planning for. Duane will push for revitalized parks, recreation programs, and partnerships that open doors for the next generation.
Forest Park's small businesses are the heartbeat of our city, and they come first. For large companies that receive taxpayer incentives, Duane will insist that local hire commitments be put in writing. Responsible development, real opportunity for local entrepreneurs, and a city hall that works with business owners, not against them.
Mark the Date
November 2, 2027
Polls open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Forest Park City Council, Ward 5. I'm not looking for a seat. I'm looking to serve.
Updates
On October 29, 2026, Duane Thomas, Jr. announced his intent to run for Forest Park City Council, Ward 5, in the November 2, 2027 election. His words: "It is not a comeback. It is a continuation."
Campaign UpdateAfter the 2025 Ward 1 race, the result was 155 to 106, and Duane kept serving anyway. The mentoring continued, the community work continued, and in October 2026 he moved his family into a home right here in Ward 5. That is the kind of commitment Ward 5 can count on.
Campaign UpdateDuane's team has completed a Ward 5 housing study and a "Forest Park First" jobs plan. The standard is simple: when a large company takes taxpayer incentives, local hire commitments should be in writing. Small local businesses, the heartbeat of this city, are never the target, they are the priority.
Campaign UpdateSupporters
This campaign is growing the way the work has always grown, one neighbor at a time. Early supporters standing with Duane include: Zach Parker · Hope Ellison · Johnny Hall · Zahion D. Mikell · Adrienne D. Reynolds. And a growing list of Ward 5 neighbors. Add your name through the Get Involved section below.
"I'm not looking for a seat. I'm looking to serve!"
Duane Thomas · Forest Park City Council · Ward 5
Get Involved
Join us as a mentor, event helper, or sponsor. Your support is crucial in making a difference — help us build a better future for Forest Park.
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Contact
Have a question, a concern, or an idea for Forest Park? Duane reads every message — this campaign belongs to the neighborhood.
