SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On Monday, the final day to submit election petitions for the April 6, 2027 city election, two longtime political figures entered the race for Springfield’s top municipal offices. Former city budget director Bill McCarty filed to run for mayor, while former Sangamon County recorder Josh Langfelder filed to become city clerk.
Mayoral race expands with former budget director
Bill McCarty, who served as Springfield’s budget director and previously as mayor of Williamsville, announced his candidacy after filing his petition at the city clerk’s office. McCarty said his experience in municipal finance and executive leadership prepared him to address what he described as the city’s current “wrong direction” under Mayor Misty Buscher. He did not provide specific policy proposals during his remarks.
McCarty also noted that former mayor Jim Langfelder, who lost to Buscher in the 2023 election, recruited him and offered his support. The mayoral field now includes incumbent Mayor Buscher, former Alderman Gail Simpson, and McCarty.
Former county recorder seeks city clerk position
Josh Langfelder, the son and brother of former Springfield mayors, filed to run for city clerk after narrowly losing his re‑election bid for Sangamon County recorder by 31 votes to Frank Lesko two years ago. Langfelder expressed a deep personal connection to Springfield, saying, “I love Springfield… it’s in your blood.” He highlighted a desire to serve the community and emphasized that the clerk’s role would allow him more family time, noting that one of his daughters still remembers missing her only softball home run.
Langfelder’s filing adds him to a slate that already includes Spurgeon Johnson, who filed earlier in the week.
Other city races and incumbents
Incumbent treasurer Colleen Redpath Feger will run unopposed. In Ward 4, newcomer Brian Baskett will challenge the open seat, while Ward 7 incumbent Alderman Brad Carlson seeks re‑election. Former aldermen Sam Cahnman (Ward 5) and Mark Mahoney (Ward 6) are also returning to the ballot.
City clerk Chuck Redpath, appointed after Lesko won the county recorder race, announced he will not seek a full term. Several ward aldermen are stepping down or are term‑limited, including Ward 4 Alderman Larry Rockford, Ward 8 Alderman Erin Conley, and Ward 9 Alderman Jim Donelan, who has reached the maximum three terms.
Remaining incumbents seeking re‑election include Aldermen Jeff Cox (Ward 1), Shawn Gregory (Ward 2), Roy Williams (Ward 3), Lakeisha Purchase (Ward 5), and Jennifer Notariano (Ward 6). The full candidate list for each race is provided by the city clerk’s office.
Current employment of the new candidates
McCarty currently works for the Illinois Board of Higher Education, while Langfelder is employed by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. Their public‑sector experience underscores a continued commitment to serving Illinois residents.
Voters and interested residents are encouraged to review the complete candidate roster and attend upcoming candidate forums to learn more about each contender’s vision for Springfield.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
