Misty Buscher (born 1970/1971)[1] is the mayor of Springfield, Illinois, the state capital and seat of Sangamon County. She is the second female mayor in the history of Springfield.[2]

Early life

Buscher was born to Charles and Veronica Tozer[1] in Carrolton, moved to Springfield in 7th grade, graduated from Rochester High School in 1988, and attended Lincoln Land Community College.[3] She worked in the banking industry in Springfield for over 20 years,[4] starting as a bank teller in 1988, and becoming a vice president of Marine Bank.[3][5] Buscher is married to Mike Buscher, who unsuccessfully ran for Springfield city council in 2007,[6][7] and is the sister in-law of former Springfield Deputy Chief of Police Cliff Buscher.[8]

Political career

Buscher served two terms as the city treasurer.[1] In her initial run for city treasurer in 2015 Buscher was endorsed by the Sangamon County Democratic Party,[3] though in 2016 she moved from independent to Republican and spoke favorably of Donald Trump's candidacy.[9] In the 2019 city treasurer race Buscher ran successfully against Jennifer Notariano.[10] As treasurer, Buscher clashed with mayor Jim Langfelder over street parking meters.[11]

She defeated incumbent Langfelder in his bid for a third term as mayor.

Electoral history

Springfield mayoral election, 2023 [12]
Candidate Votes Percentage
Misty Buscher 13,614 51.46%
Jim Langfelder 12,841 48.54%
Totals 26,336 100.00%
Springfield city treasurer election, 2019 [13]
Candidate Votes Percentage
Misty Buscher 17,616 74.07%
Jennifer Notariano 6,168 25.93%
Totals 23,784 100.00%
Springfield city treasurer election, 2015 [14]
Candidate Votes Percentage
Misty Buscher 14,811 56.50%
Frank Edwards 11,403 43.50%
Totals 26,214 100.00%

References

  1. ^ a b c Spearie, Steven (February 23, 2023). "Two-term Springfield city treasurer 'putting my money where my mouth is' in run for mayor". State Journal-Register. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  2. ^ Spearie, Steven (May 5, 2023). "Buscher sworn in as mayor, saying she stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with new city council". State Journal-Register. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Olsen, Dean. "Misty Buscher to run for mayor". Illinois Times. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  4. ^ "Springfield city treasurer announces run for mayor for 2023, challenging Langfelder". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  5. ^ "BEYOND Influential Women | Meet Misty Buscher, A Woman running for Mayor in Springfield – The Observer". Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  6. ^ Schoenburg, Bernard (September 13, 2006). "Springfield Ward 4 candidate seeks to help city continue to add jobs". The State Journal-Register. p. 13.
  7. ^ Nave, R. L. "'Right' on". Illinois Times. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
  8. ^ "Report talk of fundraiser just 'secondhand' info". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved 2023-06-27.
  9. ^ "Buscher moves from independent to GOP, Trump". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  10. ^ Mary, Hansen (2019-03-25). "Springfield Elections: Treasurer's Race". NPR Illinois. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  11. ^ "City provides Buscher with smart meter information". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  12. ^ "Consolidated Election Official Results". Sangamon County Clerk. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  13. ^ "Consolidated Election Official Results". Sangamon County Clerk. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  14. ^ "Results". Sangamon County Clerk. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Springfield
2023–present 		Incumbent