Democrats swept to victory in all contested Normal Township races, including supervisor, in Tuesday's election.
Democratic candidate Krystle Able defeated Republican Chad Berck for the township’s top job, with 60% of the vote and all precincts reporting.
"Thank you to the voters who sent a powerful message with their ballots," Able said in a statement. "To those who didn’t vote for me, I want you to know: I will fight just as hard for you, because real leadership means making sure every voice is heard."
The four Democratic candidates for trustee — Nayoka Griffis, Dylan Hile-Broad, Tanner Starr and Natasha Syed — also handily defeated Republicans Floyd Aper, Randall Schaab, Mary Cottier and Ron Ulmer. Clerk Dayna Schickedanz beat her Republican challenger Karl Sila by a similar margin as Able, with nearly 60% of the vote.
Jess Ray, a Democrat, did not seek another term as supervisor after three years in the role. He was appointed in 2022 to complete Sarah Grammer’s term. Able campaigned on keeping consistent party leadership. She plans to maintain her seat on the McLean County Board. Berck, who twice sought a seat on the county board, said he was urged by Republican trustee Floyd Aper to pursue the elected position.
As its next leader, Able will head Normal’s Activity and Recreation Center and oversee the township’s two financial assistance funds.
Online mudslinging raised the race’s profile, ultimately resulting in a marked shift in the township’s political balance of power. But with all precincts reporting, Able and Berck were both notably silent on social media late Tuesday.
Two Republicans who ran unopposed kept their positions. Kent DePew will continue as township assessor, a role primarily responsible for determining property values and processing property tax appeals. DePew was appointed in 2023 following Rob Cranston’s death and ran unopposed to maintain his seat. He has three decades of experience in assessor offices, including 21 years as deputy assessor prior to moving up in Normal Township.
Arin Rader has served several terms as highway commissioner. He will continue managing approximately 25 miles of unincorporated roads outside the town of Normal’s borders.
