Republican Jim Soeldner spent 16 years representing McLean County Board's District 2, but he’s not running for a fifth term.
The district is one of the largest geographically, covering much of southeast rural McLean County. As of 2021, there were roughly 17,000 residents, according to the 2020 census.
Dennis Grundler of Downs and Mike O’Neil of Arrowsmith are vying for the Republican party nomination in the hopes of replacing Soeldner. The primary voting period closes March 19.
Feb. 20 is the final day voters can register to vote prior to grace period registration, which starts Feb. 21. In grace period voting, those who register in person must vote at the same time.
Whoever wins the primary will face off against Democratic challenger Raul Martinez, of Ellsworth, in the general election.
Soeldner said he’s familiar with both Republicans and isn’t going to publicly share who his “favorite” might be.
“I think they both are good candidates,” he said. “I think it's important to get a strong conservative voice and maintain that voice on the county board.”
Grundler is the current head of the county GOP. He told WGLT that’s exactly what he wants to do — be the “conservative voice.”
“I will hold the line on taxes,” he said. “I will make sure that we are fully funding anything that has to do with our public safety, police, and anything else I'll be talking to the people about and seeing what they want.”
He added that he doesn’t have specific items on his agenda, because he “doesn’t have any packets yet” and isn’t an incumbent. However, his other areas of interest include business, agriculture, and schools.
Outside of his campaign, Grundler has eight children, is on the Downs Fire District Board and considers himself an active participant in the community. He said he volunteers frequently.
Part of his reason for running, Grundler added, is because he’s concerned about O’Neil’s platform. Specifically, the candidate may be looking to raise taxes, though he said he’s only heard rumblings. Grundler hasn’t connected with O’Neil himself, though he said he’s tried.
WGLT reached out to O’Neil multiple times for comment via email, text and phone call, but the candidate didn’t respond.
While O’Neil doesn’t appear to have campaign or platform information available online, Soeldner said he works with him on the Dawson Township board.
“He's lived in the area for quite some time,” Soeldner said of the candidate. “I know he's involved in the agriculture.”
After serving the district for over a decade, Soeldner said he knows certain issues like farming are of interest to the area.
A large part of representing District 2, he added, is giving the rural constituents a seat at the county table and representation in larger politics.
District 2 encompasses all or part of the following townships and villages: Arrowsmith, Bellflower, Cheneys Grove, Dawson, Downs, Empire, Old Town, Randolph, Towanda, and West.
Further information on the county's districts is available on the county website.
The county also has voter information available online.
The primary election is March 19. Early voting is underway.
