Who is running for mayor of Pekin? Here are the candidates thus far

Two Pekin City Council members have announced their intent to run for mayor of Pekin.

The big question is whether Mayor Mark Luft plans to run for reelection. The Pekin Daily Times reached out to Luft for comment, but did not receive a response. The deadline to declare candidacy is two months away, so there's still time for Luft and others to join the race.

Illinois state statute requires petitions for nomination for the February primary be filed between Nov. 21 and Nov. 28. A primary election for mayor will only be necessary in a field of four or more candidates. The consolidated election will be held April 4, 2023.

Becky Cloyd, Dave Nutter running for Pekin mayor

Becky Cloyd was elected to the council last April and serves as Mayor Pro Tempore. She said her decision to run for mayor was based on a desire to see better communication between Pekin officials and those from other communities in the area. She would also like to see better communication between city officials and Pekin residents.

Dave Nutter has been on the Council since 2015, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Council member Jim Schramm. He chose to run for mayor, he said, because he believes his service on council has given him insight on how to approach local issues, as well as the importance of communication between elected officials, city employees and the public.

This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: Pekin mayor: Here are the candidates