BLOOMINGTON — The Monroe County Democratic Party officially welcomed a new chapter of leadership Tuesday as Leon Gordon was sworn in as the Perry Township Trustee. The ceremony, held at 5 p.m. in the Bloomington City Council Chambers, marks the conclusion of a transition period following the passing of longtime Trustee Dan Combs.
Photo by Tim Dwyer, Monroe County Democratic Party.
Surrounded by family, colleagues, and supporters, Gordon took the oath of office administered by Bloomington City Clerk Nicole Bolden.
Gordon’s appointment follows a Saturday caucus held on Jan. 31, 2026, where precinct chairs gathered to select a successor for the vacancy. Gordon emerged as the clear choice in a three-way race, securing a majority in a single round of voting.
The final tally reflected strong party support for Gordon:
- Leon Gordon: 15 votes
- Levi Combs: 8 votes
- Eric Petry: 3 votes
Photo by Tim Dwyer, Monroe County Democratic Party.
Trustee Gordon transitions into the role with an extensive background in social services and housing security. He currently serves as a senior family housing specialist at New Hope for Families, where he provides case management and connects local residents with vital resources.
His resume also includes a five-year tenure with the Bloomington Housing Authority, serving as both resident services coordinator and administrative director.
vacancy caucus at Bloomington City Hall on Jan. 31, 2026.
“I’ve been preparing for this role my whole professional career here in Bloomington,” Gordon said following the ceremony. “I am excited to step into service in Perry Township and vow to lead with compassion, dignity, accountability, and grace. Service is my passion, my heart.”
An alum of two prestigious Illinois institutions, Gordon holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree from Northwestern University. He moved to Bloomington in 2010 to pursue a doctoral program in learning sciences at Indiana University. Outside of his professional life, he is the father of four daughters.
The Monroe County Democratic Party expressed high confidence in Gordon’s ability to fill the shoes of his predecessor.
“Dan Combs set a real legacy for service in our community,” said Party Chair Chrissie Geels. “I’m confident Leon Gordon will follow in Dan’s footsteps by bringing his wealth of knowledge of supportive services to serve the people of Perry Township.”
