Springfield Candidates Line Up for 2027

The field of candidates for Springfield's 2027 municipal elections continues to take shape as several current officeholders have announced plans to seek another term while a new candidate has entered the race for an open seat on the Springfield City Council.

Mayor Misty Buscher was among the first to announce her campaign, confirming she will seek a second term after being elected mayor in April 2023. Buscher defeated former Mayor Jim Langfelder before taking office on May 5, 2023.

Before becoming mayor, Buscher served two terms as Springfield city treasurer from 2015 to 2023. Prior to entering elected office, she spent 25 years in Springfield's financial industry, including serving as vice president of Marine Bank. Her 2023 mayoral campaign received support from several local labor unions as well as the Sangamon County Republican Party. Buscher has also served on numerous local boards and volunteered with organizations including the Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club, SPARC, March of Dimes, Compass for Kids and Meals on Wheels.

Springfield City Treasurer Colleen Redpath Feger also announced this week that she will seek a second term. Redpath Feger, who was elected in 2023 after nearly two decades of service with the City of Springfield, said she plans to continue protecting taxpayer dollars, responsibly investing public funds and improving city services if re-elected.

According to her campaign announcement, the Treasurer's Office has generated nearly $31 million in combined investment income over the past three fiscal years while expanding online payment options, improving customer service and strengthening efforts to recover money owed to the city. If re-elected, Redpath Feger said she intends to continue focusing on responsible investment practices, cybersecurity, financial safeguards, customer service and recovering outstanding city debt.

Another incumbent expected to appear on the 2027 ballot is Ward 7 Alderman Brad Carlson, who has announced he will seek re-election. Carlson said he has enjoyed serving the residents of Ward 7 during his first three years in office and credited the support of residents with helping accomplish a number of goals and assist hundreds of constituents. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my first three years helping the residents of Ward Seven. I look forward to my next term as we continue with additional infrastructure projects and helping people solve problems by listening to their questions and concerns,” Carlson said.

Meanwhile, the race for Springfield's Ninth Ward aldermanic seat has its first announced candidate. C.J. Metcalf announced this week that he is circulating nominating petitions to run for the office, which will be open because current Alderman Jim Donelan is term limited. Metcalf, a former Springfield Park District trustee with more than 25 years of state and local government experience, said he is running because he believes his background in government administration can help improve public safety, infrastructure and collaboration among city officials.

 "I am running to represent Ward 9, my family's home, because my many experiences in state and local government administration can advance those needs and encourage collaboration among Springfield city officials," Metcalf said.

Metcalf is a former Springfield Park District trustee with more than 25 years of state and local government experience. He currently serves as clerk of the Sangamon County Water Reclamation District Board of Directors and has also served on the Springfield Convention and Visitors Advisory Board and as chairman of the Illinois Parks Association Risk Services Board of Directors. In announcing his candidacy, Metcalf said his background in government administration would help him address issues including public safety, infrastructure and city finances while encouraging collaboration among city officials.

Metcalf moved to Springfield in 1999 after graduating from Southeast Missouri State University and beginning his state government career as a James H. Dunn Fellow assigned to the Office of Gov. George Ryan. He has worked for the Illinois Department of Insurance since 2000 and has lived in the Ninth Ward with his family since 2014.

Springfield's municipal elections are nonpartisan. Voters will elect the mayor, city treasurer and members of the Springfield City Council during the Consolidated Election on April 6, 2027. If necessary, a primary election will be held on Feb. 23, 2027, and candidates may begin filing nominating petitions when the filing period opens Oct. 19.