URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The two candidates vying to be the next Mayor of Urbana are giving their final pitches ahead of the primary.

There’s less than two weeks until the Urbana Democratic primary on Feb. 25. That’s when Deshawn Williams will face off against Annie Feldmeier-Adams for the right to replace current Mayor Diane Marlin.

“We’re feeling strong as we finish out,” Feldmeier-Adams said.

This is winner-take-all in the primary since there is no Republican challenger in the race. This means whoever wins the Democratic primary will be the next mayor.

“Lots of energy,” Williams said. “Folks are coming on board, we’re having a great time.”

WCIA sat down with both candidates to talk about how they’re feeling as they enter into the home stretch of the race.

“This is for all the marbles,” Feldmeier-Adams said. “This is the election.”

For Williams, it’s been a long time coming.

“The individual that is selected Feb. 25 essentially will be the next mayor of the City of Urbana,” Williams said.

He announced his candidacy back in 2022 and campaigned unopposed for nearly two years.

“Knowing and understanding, if you support me, if you vote for me, that you are absolutely voting to have a voice at the table,” Williams said. “And that’s just what I’m leaning towards, what I’m working on. It’s going to be community first.”

In September, the race grew when Annie Feldmeier-Adams threw her hat into the ring.

“I want to make sure that we have safe neighborhoods where everyone feels secure,” Feldmeier-Adams said. “I want to make sure that we are affordable, that we are growing our revenue, that we have housing for all incomes. And I want to make sure that we’re connected.”

The two have also picked up some big-name endorsements. For Feldmeier-Adams, it came when current Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin endorsed her in September.

“I really kind of focused on people who know me really well and who have worked with city government and understand how city government works,” Feldmeier-Adams said. “And so that was really my focus on my endorsements.”

On the other side, the Williams’ campaign picked up a big vote of confidence on Thursday with the endorsement of Illinois Senator Dick Durbin.

“That support means a lot,” Williams said. “You know, I think I said earlier today that these relationships and things of that nature that I’ve built over the years, I think those are going to be crucial, stepping into the office day one.”

They’ve had three town hall debates so far, discussing strategies and plans, and the last election hurdle is the most important: turnout.

“If you are Republican, Independent, Democrat, in between all of it—please vote,” Feldmeier-Adams said. “Please vote.”

Both campaigns tell WCIA they’re comfortable with how things currently sit with 12 days to go.

“It is extremely important that no matter who folks vote for, that they get out and vote, allow their voices to be heard,” Williams said.

For information on how to vote, visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website.