Normal Town Council member Chemberly Harris officially announced her candidacy for mayor on Friday, setting the stage for a competitive race in next year’s election. Her bid comes as current Mayor Chris Koos has confirmed he will seek a sixth term in the April 25, 2025, consolidated election.
Harris, who has served on the council since 2017, highlighted her extensive involvement in the community. She has volunteered with Home Sweet Home Ministries, working on building homes and delivering supplies. Her service also includes roles on the board of the Children’s Discovery Museum and efforts to register voters. As a council member, she initiated the first Racial Equity Summit in Normal and established a leadership program for youth in government. Additionally, she serves as the region six director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
In her announcement, Harris presented her vision for Normal, emphasizing the need for a living wage, quality education at all levels, attainable homeownership, investment in community amenities, and a safe, inclusive environment. “Today I stand before you with a vision, passion, drive, and unwavering dedication,” she said. Harris envisions a future where Normal becomes a trendsetter that other communities look to emulate.
Harris expressed confidence in her ability to bring a new perspective to the role of mayor. “A new face isn’t always a bad thing,” she told WGLT. “Sometimes, you can have a longstanding relationship, but it doesn’t mean the other person doesn’t have relationships with stakeholders. Having the ability to hear a different side of things is also good.” She added that her experience on the council has prepared her for the role of mayor, citing her ability to advocate for the community and bring in resources.
Regarding concerns about splitting the vote with Koos, Harris pointed out that both the mayoral and council positions are non-partisan. “I don’t want people to think of me as just a liberal or centrist candidate,” she said. “I want to know people’s thoughts and have them buy into the vision for our community.”
Harris also acknowledged the recent demographic changes in Normal, including shifts in age and income levels. She stressed the need for local government to address the evolving needs of the community. “We have to take a step back and look at what this community looks like now, not what it looked like in the past,” she said, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues like housing with comprehensive solutions rather than temporary fixes.
As the race for mayor heats up, candidates can begin circulating nominating petitions on August 20. The filing period for petitions will be open from November 12-18. Harris’s announcement marks the beginning of what promises to be an engaging and pivotal election for the future of Normal.
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