A new candidate is vying for a seat on the McLean County Board. Republican Kevin Lower is hoping to fill a vacancy in District 9 in a race against Democrat Jennifer Brown.
The contest is to replace Natalie Roseman-Mendoza, one of two Democrats currently representing much of south Bloomington on the county board. The other, Sean Fagan, is up for reelection in 2028.
Lower is not a political newcomer. The former Ward 1 alderman for the City of Bloomington previously made an unsuccessful run for mayor, losing to Tari Renner in 2017. Lower presented himself as a fiscally conservative challenger in the nonpartisan race against the then-incumbent mayor, who won a second term. Lower also has flirted with the idea of running for state representative.
A news release from the McLean County Republicans characterized Lower as a longtime community leader, aviation professional and businessman focused on “kitchen table” issues that "directly impact families and taxpayers throughout District 9."
“As a conservative candidate, I want to focus on the everyday concerns facing working families — issues like responsible government spending, public safety, economic growth, and protecting taxpayers,” Lower said in a statement. “The people of District 9 deserve strong representation that listens to their concerns and works toward practical solutions.”
Lower grew up on a small farm north of Heyworth. He and his wife JoAnn have lived in Bloomington-Normal since 1990. Lower’s career in aviation included time spent at Midway Airlines and nearly 30 years with Image Air as an air ambulance and charter pilot based at Central Illinois Regional Airport.
Roseman-Mendoza is not seeking reelection. Brown ran unopposed in the March primary as the Democratic candidate for District 9 to secure a spot on the November ballot.
Democrats have held a slim majority on the McLean County Board since 2024, when the party seized control for the first time. Republicans would have to win back three seats in November to tip the majority back in their favor.
It’s possible. Republican Jeffrey Lord is contesting Democrat Buck Farley’s seat in District 5, covering northeast Normal. And in District 4, encompassing northwest Normal, Democrat William Bessler and Republican Jerry Klinkner are running for an open seat following Democrat Krystle Able’s decision to step down. Bessler was appointed to fill the vacancy leading up to the election.
The elections is Nov. 3.
