Russell, Johnson Projected To Win Primaries For Kane County Sheriff: Clerk

KANE COUNTY, IL — Voters took to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for four candidates running in the primaries for Kane County sheriff.

In November, Republican candidate Rob Russell, the former county coroner, and Democrat challenger Amy Johnson, the current undersheriff, will go neck and neck for the sheriff's seat.

Current Sheriff Ron Hain, a Democrat, announced a year ago that he would not seek a third term. He was first elected in 2018.

Take a look at unofficial tallies from the primary election, according to the Kane County Clerk's Office:

Republican Race

• Rob Russell: 67.14 percent (14,324 votes)
• Luis "Lou" Santoyo: 32.86 percent (7,012 votes)

Democratic Race

• Amy Johnson: 54.81 percent (23,067 votes)
• Salvador Rodriguez: 45.19 percent (19,022 votes)

Russell served as coroner from 2012 to 2024, when he lost the election to Democratic challenger Monica Silva. He retired as a sergeant from the DuPage County Sheriff's Office when he was first elected, according to reports from the Chicago Tribune.

On his campaign website, he said he is "uniquely positioned to become one of the most qualified Sheriff's in the history of Kane County" due to his experience in "every applicable field of law."

His plans include expanding the forensic crime lab, responsible budgeting and implementing transparent financial practices, pursuing accreditation for the sheriff's office, and continuing and potentially expanding rehabilitation for those incarcerated.

"The top priority for every Sheriff is to keep you and your family safe," he wrote. "Rob Russell is committed to protecting your family as he would his own. Crime is unavoidable and the health and safety of our community is the most important issue for every voter as they head to the polls. That is why Rob Russell created the Russell BLUE-Print to protect Kane County families."

Johnson said she is running to bring "steady, proven leadership to the future of public safety." Johnson has worked at the sheriff's office for more than 20 years, starting as an intern and climbing to become the first female undersheriff in county history.

Johnson outlined several missions in her campaign: Enhancing and expanding proven programs that reduce recidivism and support mental health and addiction recovery; fiscal responsibility with County Board collaboration; forward-thinking and mission-focused advancement; and building trust to ensure everyone feels safe and seen. She said she has already helped lead some of the county's most innovative programs and will continue to ensure deputies have the highest level of training.