KANE COUNTY, IL — Undersheriff Amy Johnson and former Coroner Rob Russell are vying to serve as the next sheriff in Kane County, and voters will determine the winner in the Nov. 3 general election.
It will be the first time since 2018 that Kane County will have a new sheriff.
The general election falls just days after incumbent Sheriff Ron Hain will officially retire Nov. 1. Hain said in early 2025 that he did not intend to run for another term but announced his retirement in October. On the same day, Johnson will step into the role as interim sheriff.
The end of Hain's time as sheriff was a tumultuous one, as questions began swirling earlier this year when he disappeared from the public eye and Johnson oversaw the department in his absence.
After a 30-year career in law enforcement, Hain decided to step down "to focus on his health and to ensure the continuity of leadership for the people of Kane County," Patch reported.
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On Tuesday, voters will decide whether Johnson, a Democrat and Hain's undersheriff, or Russell, a Republican and former coroner from 2012 to 2024, will take Hain's seat.
Johnson and Russell became the nominees for their respective parties after overtaking Salvador Rodriguez and Luis Santoyo in the Democratic and Republican primaries, respectively.
Johnson has served her entire career in the Kane County Sheriff's Office, serving as patrol deputy, detective, evidence technician and chief of staff. She was appointed undersheriff in 2022, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the county.
If elected, Johnson intends to "bring steady, proven leadership to the future of public safety." According to her campaign website, she plans to advance training tools, build bridges between law enforcement and the community, ensure every deputy receives the highest level of training required by the state, and expand programs that reduce recidivism and support mental health.
She described her mission as "forward-thinking" while ensuring "taxpayer dollars are used wisely."
Russell's campaign website touted he is "uniquely positioned to become one of the most qualified [sheriffs] in the history of Kane County." He cited his "extensive experience in every applicable field of law enforcement including supervisory, administrative, community-oriented policing, special policing district, patrol, court security and corrections."
Russell began his law enforcement career in 1993 with the DuPage County Sheriff's Office. He currently serves as a police officer in Hampshire, where he lives with his wife, Susan.
His campaign is built on four pillars: Expand the forensic crime lab in order to speed up results and assist neighboring communities; budget responsibly by implementing transparent financial practices and seeking grants for innovative initiatives; pursue accreditation for the sheriff's office; and offer a rehabilitation program for people incarcerated in the county jail.
The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
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