Election 2025 - Bloomington

Dan Brady says the city faces several big challenges as he prepares to take the mayor's office next month: public safety, water problems and what he calls a pending storm — the city's financial crunch.

Jenna Kearns defeated Ben Zimmerman, to retain her seat in Ward 1, while Abby Scott defeated Roger Bedeker in Ward 9.

The new sales tax takes effect July 1. Earning around 53% of the vote, the referendum was one of several factors contributing to an increased voter turnout compared to previous municipal elections.

This is Part 3 of a series of stories about the mayoral election in Bloomington. Election Day is April 1.

Whoever takes Bloomington's top job will still have to contend with the issues of a housing shortage and an uptick in the number of unhoused people in the city — though aid to both issues is currently in the works.

There are only two Bloomington City Council seats that have contested races in the April 1 election. Ward 9, which covers a good part of the northeast side, is one of them.

Incumbent Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, first-term city council member Cody Hendricks and 22-year former Republican state Rep. Dan Brady are all in the running for Bloomington's top job.

A summary of issue positions held by incumbent council member Jenna Kearns and challenger Ben Zimmerman.

Candidates for Bloomington mayor sparred on several key issues at a WGLT forum Tuesday evening at Illinois State University's Brown Ballroom.

Bloomington-Normal unions hosted a candidates night to hear from many of the candidates who will be on the ballot April 1. Union delegates endorsed Cody Hendricks for Bloomington mayor, but did not endorse in Normal's mayoral race.