By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – A Democrat on the McLean County Board is not running for re-election next year, and an Illinois Wesleyan University student wants to replace him.

Carlo Robustelli, who has represented District 8 since 2013, made the announcement Wednesday on his Facebook page.  IWU senior Jordan Baker announced he’ll seek Robustelli’s seat and will run as a Republican.

“With a deep bench of energized, highly qualified progressives, I feel now is the best time to announce my intentions, and I look forward to supporting a fellow resident of District 8 for election to the County Board,” said Robustelli.

Robustelli said during his time, the County Board has made government more transparent and open to the public.  He added the board has invested in infrastructure and fought to retain, recruit, and grow jobs.

In a news release, Baker said he’ll focus his campaign on transparency with constituents and a pragmatic approach to local issues.  He said this is his first time as a candidate in a local election.

“I am really excited at this opportunity to be a community leader. It has been a goal of mine to be a candidate for public office, and to see the support I have already received from the community is inspiring,” said Baker.

“We’ll be up against a well-funded Democratic opponent. As a result, our campaign will focus on making meaningful connections with constituents,” Baker added.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]