URBANA — Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is making an endorsement in Urbana’s February 25th Democratic primary election for mayor.
In a statement, Durbin backed Champaign County’s Chief Deputy Treasurer DeShawn Williams. The senator called him “a leader” with a record of supporting local businesses.
He also said he looks forward to working with Williams in the future to “bring federal resources that will strengthen Urbana’s infrastructure and expand its tax base.”
“Having a collaborative relationship with Senator Durbin will be a huge benefit to the City and I look forward to utilizing federal resources to improve our City,” Williams said in a statement.
Williams has also been endorsed by several Urbana city council members, Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, and multiple unions.
Urbana’s current mayor, Diane Marlin, is not running for re-election. She’s endorsed Williams’ opponent, Annie Adams, who serves on the city’s bicycle and pedestrian advisory commission.
“She loves living in the City of Urbana and has worked for the past 10 years to improve safety, celebrate neighborhoods, and bring people together through the arts in our community,” Marlin said in a statement on Adam’s campaign website.
Adams has also been endorsed by Naomi Jakobsson, a Trustee of the University of Illinois YMCA and former state representative, and Cynthia Hoyle, the co-chair of the C-U Safe Routes to School Project.
Urbana voters can cast a ballot early at the Brookens Center on weekdays during business hours. The Illini Union will open for early voting on Monday, Feb. 16.