Another member of the Peoria City Council is seeking re-election in 2025.
1st District Representative Denise Jackson announced her intention to return to the seat Sunday. She was originally elected in 2021, unseating incumbent Denise Moore by a wide margin.
“Oftentimes it takes several years to get [infrastructure] projects completed,” Jackson told WCBU Monday morning. “So I feel compelled to continue to go ahead and seek another term to be able to see some of those projects through to completion.”
Housing and infrastructure projects are a frequent topic for the representative of a South Peoria district. Some of the projects highlighted in Jackson’s announcement include: demolition of the former Harrison and McKinley Schools, $2 million in sidewalk improvements, construction of the Churchview Garden Homes and an Illinois Department of Transportation project for Howett Street and Lincoln Avenue slated for 2025.
“I was born in Peoria. I’ve lived on the South Side practically all my life, with the exception of the 11 years that I lived in upstate New York,” Jackson said. “And I’ve been a neighborhood association president probably for the last 15 years. So, I’ve been committed to helping neighborhoods.”
Beyond the boundaries of her district, Jackson says making the community safer and attracting more businesses is essential.
“I’m excited because Mayor [Rita] Ali is committed to making Peoria more inclusive and we’ve begun that process,” she said. “So I’m just excited to be a part of her team and hope to be able to play a pivotal role in achieving some of the goals that she set forth for the city of Peoria.”
However, Ali’s seat is also contested in the April 2025 election. Council members Chuck Grayeb and John Kelly have also announced their candidacy for mayor. Jackson says she’s committed to working with whoever ends up at the helm.
“I think [Ali’s] just began a phenomenal process with the whole effort of bringing high speed rail to the city of Peoria and along the western corridor,” she said. “And I think, and I hope, with the support of people like former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, whoever gets the mayor’s seat will continue down the path that he’s supported as well.”
The municipal election is Apr. 1, 2025.
