McLean County Republican Party

08/27/2026

Article Summary
In appearances during the Illinois State Fair, Gov. JB Pritzker and his Republican challenger Darren Bailey offered different visions for how to improve public education in Illinois.
Pritzker acknowledged more funding is needed but maintained his administration has provided significant new funding that has led to improved student performance.
Bailey said test scores show too many students are not performing at grade level in reading and math and argued that schools need less government oversight, not more funding.
The Pritzker campaign also criticized Bailey over the curriculum at a private religious school he founded in 2016. Bailey now reports that school has received threatening messages and blamed Pritzker for creating a potentially dangerous situation with his rhetoric.

JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey are offering sharply different approaches to school funding and education policy in Illinois.

08/26/2026

We are offering a workshop for all potential candidates who want to run for any office. Thursday Night September 3 6::30 at our McLean County Republican Headquarters.

Charles Brim, who opposes large-scale data centers, announced his candidacy for the Bloomington City Council's Ward 8. ⤵️ Find a link to the story in the comments.

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

What an incredible evening at the 2026 McLean County Republicans Lincoln Reagan Dinner!

With 175 people in attendance, this year’s dinner was a tremendous success. We gathered to honor the hardworking farm families whose dedication has strengthened McLean County for generations and to hear an optimistic vision for Illinois and our nation from an outstanding group of candidates.

Our featured candidate speakers included Max Solomon for Illinois State Treasurer, Bryan Drew for Illinois Comptroller, Dillan Vancil for Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, and Don Tracy for the U.S. Senate. Congressman Darin LaHood shared a special video greeting with our guests.

Aaron Del Mar, candidate for lieutenant governor, addressed the audience and introduced our keynote speaker, Darren Bailey, candidate for governor. The energy throughout the evening was high as candidates and supporters came together ready for the important work ahead.

Our silent auction was extremely popular, and the 50/50 raffle and Restore Illinois Shop added even more excitement to the evening.

We were proud to welcome our McLean County Board candidates: Andy Ziebarth, Bill Friedrich, Brian Bangert, Jerry Klinkner, Jeff Lord, Geoff Tompkins, Kevin Lower, and Matt Steinkoenig.

Our countywide candidates—Kathy Michael for County Clerk, Becky McNeil for County Treasurer, and Jon Albee for Sheriff—were also present. We were honored to be joined by State Representatives Regan Deering and Bill Hauter, along with State Central Committeeman Jim Rule.

Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, volunteers, donors, farmers, candidates, and every guest who made the evening so memorable. The success of this dinner reflects the growing energy behind our commitment to strong families, responsible government, safe communities, and a better future for McLean County and Illinois.

The momentum is real—and we are just getting started!

08/26/2026

The continued failures of our county auditor are not acceptable.

By: Diane Benjamin How often is Michele Anderson in her office? Nobody knows because she is rarely seen at the Government Center. The McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission is established by …

08/26/2026

🚨 16 DAYS 🚨

SAY HELLO TO THE BATTLE GEAR
Fresh jerseys. Fresh hats. Same goal.

🚒 Firefighters vs. 👮 Police
📅 September 11 - The Corn Crib

Presented by McLean County Republican Party

08/25/2026

Good to see all our Republican State officials representing McLean County are working for the people. Tonight we honor our farmers at the annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner where we will here from our next governor Darrin Bailey a long time farmer himself. Looking forward to a great night!

08/25/2026

Don Tracy is ready to debate but his opponent- guess not. Don Tracy for our next U.S. Senator! Go vote!

08/25/2026

🇺🇸 **25 YEARS LATER… WE MUST NEVER FORGET.** 🇺🇸

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were lost—and in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, first responders ran **toward the danger**.

This September 11, our community will come together at the Corn Crib for a special evening of **remembrance, gratitude, family and community** at the **9/11 Memorial Battle of the Badges**.

🚓 **POLICE vs. FIREFIGHTERS** 🚒
⚾ Friday, September 11, 2026
🇺🇸 Opening Ceremony at 6:30 PM
📍 Corn Crib Stadium, Normal

This year marks the **25th Anniversary of 9/11**, making this gathering especially meaningful. Bring your children. Bring your grandchildren. Help us make sure the next generation understands what happened that day—and remembers the courage, sacrifice and unity that followed.

**Honor the fallen. Support those who still serve. Be part of the memory.**

🎟️ **GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY:**
[https://www.mcleancountyrepublicans.org/2026_battle_of_the_badges](https://www.mcleancountyrepublicans.org/2026_battle_of_the_badges)

Please **SHARE** and help us fill the Corn Crib on September 11!

08/25/2026

🚨 Become a Sponsor of the Battle of the Badges! 🚓🥎🚒

On Friday, September 11, join us at the Corn Crib Stadium for a special Police vs. Firefighters softball game commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

This meaningful evening will honor the courage, service and sacrifice of our first responders while bringing families and neighbors together. Sponsorship opportunities begin at just $100 and include event tickets and recognition on the McLean County Republicans’ website and social media.

Sponsorship levels:

⭐ Respect — $100
⭐ Honor — $200
⭐ Tribute — $500
⭐ Legacy — $1,000

Higher sponsorship levels include Presidential Suite tickets, and our Legacy Sponsor will help present a $500 donation supporting area first responders.

The deadline to be included in all promotional materials is August 30, 2026.

Become a sponsor today:
[https://www.mcleancountyrepublicans.org/battle_badges_sponsor](https://www.mcleancountyrepublicans.org/battle_badges_sponsor)

Let’s come together to honor our heroes, strengthen our community and ensure that we never forget.