Misty Buscher

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]

Misty Buscher
57th Mayor of Springfield
Incumbent
Assumed office May 5, 2023
Preceded by	Jim Langfelder
Personal details
Born	1970 or 1971 (age 53–54) Carrollton, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic (before 2016) Republican (2016–present)
Spouse	Mike
Children	2
Education	Lincoln Land Community College

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. 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. 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 Jim Langfelder	Mayor of Springfield 2023–present	Incumbent