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Gail M. SimpsonFor Mayor

Record of Service

Four decades of showing up for the work.

A chronological record of Gail M. Simpson's public service, drawn from campaign-supplied information.

  1. 1979

    Arrives in Springfield

    Moves to Springfield through the inaugural Dunn Fellows program.

  2. 2007

    Elected to the Springfield City Council

    Elected to represent Ward 2 — the first African American woman elected to the Springfield City Council.

  3. 2007–2015

    Two terms as Ward 2 alderman

    Serves the residents and neighborhoods of Ward 2 on the City Council.

  4. 2018

    Retires from Illinois state government

    Concludes approximately 40 years of state service, most recently as a Public Service Administrator.

  5. 2026

    Announces candidacy for Mayor

    Announces her candidacy for the 2027 Springfield mayoral election in October 2026.

  6. 2027

    Springfield mayoral election

    Springfield's municipal election is scheduled for April 6, 2027.