PIKE COUNTY ILLINOIS GOP PRIMARY FEATURES MULTIPLE COUNTY RACES

PITTSFIELD — Several county races in Pike County, Illinois will be decided in the Republican primary after no Democratic candidates filed for those offices, with a number of candidates emphasizing financial accountability, transparency, and modernization of county operations.

In the race for Pike County Clerk, incumbent Natalie Roseberry is running unopposed in the Republican primary. Roseberry, who has served as county clerk and recorder since 2018, says her priorities include improving transparency, increasing accessibility to public records, and modernizing the systems used within the office. She has also highlighted plans to expand electronic access to records through digitization and back-scanning of documents, while working to improve the county’s website so residents can more easily find accurate information.

The Pike County Treasurer race features incumbent Scott Syrcle and challenger Susan Pitchford, who currently works as a deputy election clerk. Pitchford, a Pittsfield business owner, says she wants to improve financial oversight within the office and introduce online property tax payment options. She has also emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate financial records and maximizing interest-bearing accounts for county funds.

Several candidates are also competing for seats on the Pike County Board, where multiple Republicans are running for a limited number of positions. Candidates include incumbents Mark Mountain, Reta Hoskin, Andrew Borrowman, and Thomas Lewis, along with newcomers Chris Lanhum, Gena Hoaglin, Evan Ralph, and David Greenwood.

Lanhum, a chiropractic physician and Pittsfield business owner, says his business experience gives him a strong understanding of budgeting, payroll, taxes, and regulatory compliance. He has stated that restoring accountability, improving transparency, and strengthening financial oversight are among his top priorities if elected.

Hoaglin, who works as a district bookkeeper and administrative assistant for the Pleasant Hill school district, says her focus would be on improving financial supervision and strengthening the county’s long-term fiscal planning. She has also suggested implementing department audits, reviewing contracts and spending practices, and expanding the use of grants to support county services without raising taxes.

Other county offices appearing on the Republican primary ballot include Pike County Sheriff, where Zachary Lloyd Orr, the current chief deputy with the sheriff’s department, is running, and Pike County Supervisor of Assessments, where incumbent Nicole McDonald is seeking another term.

With no Democratic candidates filed for these offices, the outcomes of the Republican primary will likely determine who ultimately holds the positions moving forward.

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