[2] He served as a substitute teacher in the East Aurora School District and as an adjunct professor at Robert Morris College and Northern Illinois University.

[3] In 2001, he was named Aurora's first community prosecutor, an alternative law enforcement strategy designed to improve police relationships with residents and develop solutions to drugs, prostitution, and other quality of life crimes.

[4] As community prosecutor, he joined the U.S. Department of Justice's “Weed and Seed” program, which aimed to both aggressively combat crime in specified areas, but also provide redevelopment and social services.

Irvin, state representative Linda Chapa LaVila, alderman Michael Saville, and Weisner's assistant chief of staff Richard "Rick" Guzman ran to replace him.

[2][14] On April 6, 2021, Irvin won re-election to another four-year term,[2] defeating Alderman Judd Lofchie and union carpenter John Laesch with over 55% of the vote.

"[20] Following the shooting deaths of 15-year-old Jasmine Noble and 20-year-old Juanya Booker in Aurora in 2019, Irvin said his administration would put a renewed focus on youth mentoring programs.

Irvin condemned looting that took place in downtown Aurora in late May 2020, amid widespread unrest across the world over the murder of George Floyd.

[30] Days before the parade was set to occur, the City of Aurora revoked its permit, saying that not enough police officers had signed up for the extra shifts needed for adequate security at the event.

[35] On January 17, 2022, Irvin officially announced his gubernatorial campaign and said his running mate for Lieutenant Governor was Illinois State Representative Avery Bourne.

[36] To launch is campaign, he released a highly-produced video touting his background as a descendant of enslaved people, an Army veteran and the mayor of Illinois' second-largest city.

[37] Fellow Republican candidates questioned Irvin's principals and party loyalty, as he pulled Democratic ballots in 2014, 2016, and 2020.

[39] While seen as a conservative at the beginning of his political career, as Aurora mayor he adopted policies much more in line with Democrats, before again reversing himself on a number of issues when he ran for governor.

[42] State Senator Darren Bailey and running mate Stephanie Trussell won the primary with 57% of the vote.