Election 2024: Don Jensen to face Brian Dose for La Salle County Board chair

Incumbent La Salle County Board Chairman Don Jensen (R-Deer Park) is set to face Democrat Brian Dose of Ottawa in a November race to lead the La Salle County Board, as long as unofficial results hold.

Jensen held a decisive 4,614 to 2,039 lead over Deborah Porter of Streator with all precincts counted in La Salle County.

“I’d like to thank the voters for nominating me as their candidate for the board chairman of La Salle County,” Jensen said in a statement issued early Wednesday, “and I look forward to the possibility of serving the citizens of the county for four more years.

Porter conceded around 10 p.m. when only a handful of precincts were left to be counted.

“I’d like to congratulate Don Jensen and I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me,” Porter said.

Dose extended his lead to be Democratic nominee for board chairman 3,536 to 1,696 votes over fellow board member Joe Oscepinski of Peru with all precincts counted. Though vote tallies are unofficial, Oscepinski also conceded the race.

“I would like to thank my friends and neighbors of La Salle County for their trust in me,” Dose said in a statement. “I would also like to thank my opponent for inspiring me to work harder. We started the campaign with a vision to make a positive change for working families. During this campaign, I would like to thank those who have given me sage advice and kind words along the way. "

Dose encouraged constituents to volunteer for “campaign advisory committees” by visiting his website www.briandose.com.

Oscepinski conceded shortly after the near-final totals.

“Thanks to all my supporters,” Oscepinski said in a statement. “It was a great experience. I fell short but I will continue to work hard for the citizens of La Salle County.”

All results are unofficial Tuesday until they are certified.

Jensen won the County Board Chairman seat four years ago, besting Democrat Jim Olson, of Seneca, in November 2020. Jensen, who is retired and also serves on the Deer Park Elementary School Board, had run in the general election twice before besting Olson.

A lifelong resident of La Salle County, Dose attended Lostant Elementary and La Salle-Peru Township High School. He has served on the La Salle County Board for more than 11 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and has worked in public safety as a firefighter/paramedic for more than 25 years, rising to the rank of captain. He also has served in union leadership and has been a union member for more than 21 years.