ELGIN, Ill. (AP) — A former mayoral candidate in the city of Elgin has been tapped by Gov. Bruce Rauner to head the state’s Illinois Housing Development Authority.

Rauner’s office announced the appointment of 59-year-old Joseph P. Galvan to the unpaid position Friday.

The Associated Press reports that Galvan has 30 years of experience in the public and private sector. That includes nearly a decade of work at the federal department of Housing and Urban Development.

Galvan lost by a more than two-to-one margin to incumbent Mayor David Kaptain in the city’s mayoral race last month. Galvan had been endorsed by former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh for the post.

Galvan says he’s committed to making sure the Illinois provides “safe, decent and affordable housing throughout the state.”

 

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