PIKE COUNTY REPUBLICANS facing another ballot change

By Editor | June 24, 2026 |

By BETH ZUMWALT

Just weeks after the top vote getting Republican candidate for Pike County Board, withdrew from the race, a second candidate has withdrawn. David Greenwood, current sheriff and potential county board member withdrew his name last month.
Natalie Roseberry, county clerk, seeking a third term, announced her withdrawal Tuesday, June 16.
Now the Republican Central Committee must replace Greenwood and Roseberry on the ballot.
“We have three people interested in the county board seat,” Andy Borrowman, chairman of the PCRCC, said. “I sent out an e-mail Wednesday morning to each of my precinct committeemen to submit any names they think would make a good candidate.”
Borrowman said the committee must fill the ballot by Aug. 20 and he doesn’t know if the committee will meet in August or not, due to the party’s annual golf outing.
“We may have to call a special meeting.
Roseberry took several by surprise with her announcement.
“After careful consideration and reflection, I have made the decision to withdraw my candidacy for reelection. This decision was not made lightly. Public service has been more than a job to me; it has been a calling. However, there are moments in life when leadership requires recognizing when it is time to embrace a new opportunity and allow others to continue the work. I will continue to serve out my current term and provide the commitment and standard that have shaped the past 8 years,” Roseberry stated.
“Over the past several years, our county government has faced significant challenges. Like many public institutions, we have experienced periods of disagreement, competing priorities, and differing visions for the future. Effective leadership depends upon collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to solving problems. While those conditions are not always easy to achieve, I remain hopeful that Pike County’s leaders will strive toward those goals for the benefit of the citizens we serve.
“The increasing complexity of county government and the challenges of operating effectively in an environment that requires transparency, collaboration, and confidence in shared financial information have also contributed to my decision. Local government functions best when trust exists among those charged with serving the public, and I remain hopeful that Pike County will work toward that standard.”
In a phone interview Wednesday, June 17, Roseberry said when she filed for re-election, she was taking law classes on-line in hopes of someday becoming an attorney.
“I was able to study for classes and do my job as clerk,” she said. “I am just about finished with my first year.”
But, Roseberry said, she has to take some summer courses that are not available on-line.
“I’ll be spending a lot of the summer in Knoxville,” she said. “I can use technology to do my clerk duties, but, I wouldn’t be available to campaign and go to events. I’m afraid the voters of Pike County won’t understand that I can do this and do my job also. And right now I have to look at the big picture. For the past year, I have balanced the responsibilities of serving as county clerk while simultaneously working toward a Juris Doctor degree. I am proud to say that I have remained committed to both. Now, completing law school and beginning my legal career is the next step in a lifelong commitment to serving others, simply in a different capacity. While my role may change, my desire to help people, solve problems, and serve my community will remain the same.”
Roseberry said she plans to finish her law degree and return to Pittsfield and practice law in a yet undecided major focus.
“We are facing a shortage of attorneys in this area,” Roseberry said. “Last year our district, which reaches from Peoria to Southern Illinois, had only sworn in five attorneys.”
“Serving as your County Clerk and Recorder has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Roseberry said. “When I first took office, I could not have imagined the opportunities, challenges, and growth that would come with the responsibility of serving the people of Pike County. I remain deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the privilege of working on your behalf each day. Pike County has given me far more than I could ever repay. It has shaped my values, strengthened my resolve, and provided me with opportunities that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. For that, I will always be grateful.”

Roseberry’s full statement reads:

To the Citizens of Pike County,

Serving as your County Clerk and Recorder has been one of the greatest honors of my life. When I first took office, I could not have imagined the opportunities, challenges, and growth that would come with the responsibility of serving the people of Pike County. I remain deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the privilege of working on your behalf each day.

After careful consideration and reflection, I have made the decision to withdraw my candidacy for reelection. This decision was not made lightly. Public service has been more than a job to me; it has been a calling. However, there are moments in life when leadership requires recognizing when it is time to embrace a new opportunity and allow others to continue the work. I will continue to serve out my current term and provide the commitment and standard that have shaped the past 8 years.

Over the past several years, our county government has faced significant challenges. Like many public institutions, we have experienced periods of disagreement, competing priorities, and differing visions for the future. Effective leadership depends upon collaboration, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to solving problems. While those conditions are not always easy to achieve, I remain hopeful that Pike County’s leaders will strive toward those goals for the benefit of the citizens we serve.

The increasing complexity of county government and the challenges of operating effectively in an environment that requires transparency, collaboration, and confidence in shared financial information have also contributed to my decision. Local government functions best when trust exists among those charged with serving the public, and I remain hopeful that Pike County will work toward that standard.

During my time in office, we modernized services, improved access to public records, strengthened election administration, secured grant funding, enhanced transparency, expanded public access to information, and worked diligently to provide efficient and professional service to every resident who entered our office. These accomplishments belong not only to me, but also to the dedicated employees who serve Pike County each day and the citizens who supported our efforts. I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

A primary factor in my decision is my commitment to completing law school and pursuing a career in the legal profession. Earning a law degree has been a lifelong goal, and the demands of legal education have only reinforced my passion for the law and public service. As I approach the final stages of that journey, I believe it is important to dedicate my full attention and energy to successfully completing my legal education, preparing for admission to the bar, and pursuing the opportunities that lie ahead.

For the past year, I have balanced the responsibilities of serving as County Clerk while simultaneously working toward a Juris Doctor degree. I am proud to say that I have remained committed to both. Now, completing law school and beginning my legal career is the next step in a lifelong commitment to serving others, simply in a different capacity. While my role may change, my desire to help people, solve problems, and serve my community will remain the same.

As I leave public office, I would also like to share one final observation. We live in an age of instant information, social media commentary, and headlines that often travel faster than facts. While these tools can connect communities and encourage civic engagement, they can also spread incomplete, inaccurate, or intentionally misleading information.

I encourage every citizen to approach public issues with curiosity and critical thinking. Ask questions. Read source documents. Attend meetings. Review public records. Seek out primary information whenever possible. Good government depends upon an informed public, and informed citizens should never feel obligated to accept any statement, whether from an elected official, a social media post, or a public rumor, at face value.

Throughout my time in office, I have believed that transparency and public access to information are essential to maintaining trust in government. My hope is that Pike County continues to foster a culture where facts matter, respectful disagreement is welcomed, and decisions are made based upon evidence rather than assumptions. An engaged and informed citizenry remains the strongest safeguard of accountable government.

To every voter, employee, colleague, friend, and supporter who encouraged me, challenged me, and placed their trust in me over the years: thank you. Serving Pike County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I will always be proud of the work we accomplished together and honored to have had the opportunity to serve this community.

Pike County has given me far more than I could ever repay. It has shaped my values, strengthened my resolve, and provided me with opportunities that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. For that, I will always be grateful.

With gratitude and respect,
Natalie P. Roseberry Pike County Clerk and Recorder

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