URBANA — DeShawn Williams is poised to become the next mayor of Urbana. Williams ran against Annie Adams for the Democratic ticket in the Urbana primary election Tuesday. With no Republican candidate running for the position, the primary effectively brings the mayor’s race to a close.
Based on unofficial results from the Champaign County Clerk’s office, Williams received 65.8% of the vote (2,509 votes), with all 23 precincts counted. According to Urbana’s code of ordinances, Williams will take office in May, becoming Urbana’s first Black mayor.
Williams was moved to tears in a speech Tuesday night as he thanked his family members, campaign members and supporters who gathered at the Iron Workers Local Union 380 in Urbana.
“I have no words,” Williams said in an interview after the speech. “It’s a lot of joy, excitement, just encouragement, that the city, they felt the need to believe in me and the vision that we presented. I’m excited, I’m encouraged, I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
He said one of his first priorities when he takes office will be rebuilding trust between the community and city government.
“And I think that’s going to come with us focusing in on transparency and ensuring that the community is involved in the decisions as we move forward to have a better city as a whole,” Williams said.
Williams has several years of experience in local politics. He was elected to the Champaign County Board in 2020. In 2021, he stepped into his current position as the county’s Chief Deputy Treasurer. Williams has over a decade of experience in finance and worked as the assistant vice president at Busey Bank for three years.
“I understand what it means to not only encourage folks who are working with you and under you and things of that nature, but to help hone in on their strengths to ensure that they have an opportunity to grow and develop,” Williams told IPM News in an interview earlier this month.
Williams said he is committed to supporting public safety and combating gun violence alongside the city’s police department. He said he also hopes to support the city’s diverse population, expand access to affordable housing, and encourage economic development by providing resources for business owners.
“I know what it takes to not only help get a business up and running, but to ensure that they grow and sustain throughout their journey,” Williams said, adding that downtown Urbana is “yearning for a boost.”
Williams received several endorsements, with the list including Champaign Mayor Deb Feinen, several Urbana and Champaign City Council members, several unions, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).
Williams announced his campaign for mayor in 2022. He ran unopposed until September, when Annie Adams entered the race.
Adams, who sits on the Urbana Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory Commission, ran on a platform of creating a “safe, affordable, and connected” city. She said she would work to attract new businesses, develop a digital alert system to keep residents informed during emergencies and modernize Urbana’s approach to policing.
Adams said she’s disappointed with the results, but she vowed to stay involved in city leadership and community initiatives.
“I appreciate everyone who supported us,” she said from her watch party at the Courier Cafe in downtown Urbana. “We’re really proud of the work we did. I hope that DeShawn Williams — he has a strong commitment to public service, and I fervently hope that he’s a successful mayor. Our city needs everyone to contribute in big and small ways to face and overcome our challenges”
Adam’s was endorsed by Urbana current Mayor Diane Marlin, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 70, which represents Urbana’s police force, and others.
IPM’s Senior Editor Arjun Thakkar and reporter Jim Meadows contributed reporting.