ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The mayoral race takes a dramatic turn after one possible candidate is eliminated from the race – and it could happen to another candidate.

The Rockford Board of Election Commissioners has received multiple objections against two Republican mayoral candidates and a Democrat running for 9th Ward alderman.

The council held a hearing Wednesday morning that resulted in the removal of Androcles Morell from the mayoral race. The objections against him revolved around not following the rules for handing in a nomination petition. Board President Ryan Brauns says Morell didn’t properly bind his petition, didn’t clearly state his name and, while running as a Republican, made the grade as an Independent before canceling it.

Brauns explains if you don’t follow the rules, you’re out.

“They require strict compliance, like the package has to be stapled, your name has to be spelled correctly on every page, things like that,” says Braun.

Via Facebook, Morell argued his case outside the hearing, claiming he was never wrong. He also subpoenaed Board of Elections officials and others who he says gave him wrong information to complete the paperwork.

“He’s the one who told me where it’s scratched to put my initials,” argues Morell. “So I’d like to bring that out there because Mr. Paredes is now considered a hostile liar.”

Morell also says that although his legal name is Androcles, he filled out sections of the petition with his preferred name: Andros. This was flagged in the objection hearing due to him alternating between the two.

The objection against Republican Joseph Canova alleges that he did not file a declaration of economic interest with the Winnebago medical examiner. Canova was also prevented from running for mayor. His hearing has been moved to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20, where the board will determine his eligibility.

If the challenge succeeds, it will mean incumbent Democratic Mayor Tom McNamara will run unopposed in the April 2025 consolidated election.

“There won’t be a mayoral primary or a citywide primary in February,” Brauns says. “That’s despite what’s happening in the Canova decision.”

WIFR reached out to Morell for comment, but did not hear back.

Despite not having a city-wide mayor, Brauns reminds residents that there will be a mayor for several of Athens’ wards on February 25.

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