Ilstrup said he has heard encouragement from neighbors, small-business owners, community organizers and friends. He plans to spend the coming weeks talking with his family and people across Madison before deciding whether to run.

“I am strongly considering it,” Ilstrup said in a statement. He also praised Rhodes-Conway’s years in public service and said he was grateful for her work leading the city.

Rhodes-Conway’s decision opened the 2027 mayoral race, where candidates already include Syed Abbas, Brian Benford, Kaleem Caire, Natalia Hacerola, Jonny Hinds, Marcus Robert Johnson, April Kigeya and Larry “Ace” Williams. Ilstrup’s interest would add another potential contender, but he has not formally entered the race.

Ilstrup has led Downtown Madison Inc., a downtown advocacy nonprofit, since 2018. He has lived in Madison since 2011 and previously worked in the hospitality industry, including as general manager of HotelRED and operations director at Milwaukee’s Iron Horse Hotel. Earlier in his career, he served in the Peace Corps, worked on the staffs of two members of Congress and worked for Wisconsin state Rep. Tom Nelson.

In describing what he believes the city needs, Ilstrup highlighted affordability, housing construction, support for workers and businesses, and a City Hall that works for every resident. He said Madison should build the housing the city needs and ensure that people across the community share in its prosperity.

Ilstrup has previously acknowledged interest in the mayor’s office. In July, after Rhodes-Conway announced she would seek another term, he said he would not run in 2027 because he valued his work at Downtown Madison Inc. His position changed after the mayor’s announcement that she would leave the race.