McLean County 3rd District Republican primary race

Image courtesy of McLean County

NORMAL, Ill. – The third district county board seat for McLean County is open this year. In the primary election on March 19, two republicans are running for the nomination, Incumbent George Wendt and Bloomington farmer and businessman Brian Loeffler.

The third district covers a large sector in the southwest portion of McLean County, starting in more rural areas just outside of Bloomington-Normal. The board is the legislative body for the county, giving them power over the budget, the sheriff’s office, the courts, the jail, the recorder’s office and other local matters.

The seat is currently occupied by Wendt, who’s been a member of the board for the past 13 years. Wendt’s opponent in the primary is Loeffler, who announced his candidacy back in August 2023.

One of Wendt’s more impactful moments on the board came back in 2013 when he got the board to change their rules and allow board members to call into meetings remotely.

“About ten years ago, I came down with leukemia, and obviously there were times I had to be in the hospital to be treated,” Wendt said. “The majority of the board agrees that citizens of your district shouldn’t lose your vote because you’re sick or off on county business.”

Generally, Wendt sees the county board as an important way that life can be made better for citizens of McLean County.

“When I moved down here in 1988 McLean county was the best county […] in the state of Illinois, and it still is,” Wendt said, “and I would like to keep it that way.”

Early and mail-in voting for the primary has already started in McLean County, with information on how to vote available on the McLean County website.

Loeffler was not available for an interview.