McLean County Board

By flipping a GOP-held seat and defending their own, Democrats will now have a 13-to-7 majority on the McLean County Board — one more than they had before. Democrats have steadily picked up seats on the board since 2018.

McLean County Republicans say they have to rely on community events and grassroots fundraising to compete with Gov. JB Pritzker and other big Democratic donors.

McLean County's main governing body had historically been led by Republicans. That is, until 2024, when Democrats won a majority of seats on the 20-member board. Democrats hold 12 seats, all in Bloomington-Normal.

A nearly two-year-old dispute is over shared sales tax money dedicated to behavioral health programs, jail expansion bond debt and public safety information systems.

McLean County Board chair Elizabeth Johnston talks about collaboration and transparency as the board salutes outgoing Sheriff Matt Lane and deals with county clerk budget overages.

The McLean County Board is extending a disaster declaration while appealing the rejection for federal disaster relief stemming from the Aug. 13-14 storms, and also approved a no-interest loan for tax error.

One of the contested races for McLean County Board is in District 10 on Bloomington-Normal's east side, where Democrat Corey Beirne seeks re-election to a second term. His challenger is Republican Matt Steinkoenig.

Republican incumbent Geoff Tompkins is seeking a second term as a county board member. His challenger is Democrat John Poling, who is making his first run for office.

The two candidates running for the open seat in McLean County Board District 9 are both new to the county board but have served the community in different ways.

Democrat Buck Farley has represented District 5 on the McLean County Board since 2023. He and his Republican opponent, former bank examiner Jeff Lord, describe finances as their top priority.