The Bloomington City Council will welcome one new council member next month, while one incumbent won in their re-election bid.
Jenna Kearns defeated Ben Zimmerman, 57% to 43%, to retain her seat in Ward 1, which includes much of south-central Bloomington stretching from Veterans Parkway to Interstate 55.
Kearns, who was elected to the council in 2023, runs a statewide volunteer training program for AmeriCorps. She has said housing is a top priority for her.
"I'm just excited to move forward. We have a new council coming in. It's going to bring a new vibe and a new energy and I'm ready to get to work and work together," Kearns said.
Abby Scott, a data scientist and model architect at State Farm, defeated Roger Bedeker, who also works at State Farm, by a 58% to 42% margin in Ward 9, which includes parts of northeast Bloomington.
"Voters want somebody on the city council that is going to be available to them, that's going to be engaged and that's going to be transparent," Scott said, adding she would like to see the city look to improve efficiency through data analytics.
Scott replaces Tom Crumpler, who chose not to run after one term.
Mike Straza, who unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2021, was elected to represent Ward 5, which covers east of Veterans Parkway in north Bloomington.
Straza, who ran unopposed, replaces Nick Becker, who did not seek re-election.
Council members Sheila Montney and Mollie Ward were uncontested in their reelection wins in Wards 3 and 7.
