Candidate Filing Closes for 2026 Primary Election

Filing for Sangamon County’s 2026 Primary Election officially closed Monday, November 3, finalizing the list of candidates for the March 17 ballot. More than two dozen individuals filed for countywide offices, County Board seats, and congressional races.

At the county level, Republican County Clerk Don Gray filed to seek a third term and will run unopposed, as no Democratic challenger filed.

“As I file to seek a 3rd term as your County Clerk, I am tremendously honored in the trust and support you have provided me,” said County Clerk Don Gray. “I pledge to continue to work hard to secure the integrity of our election system while providing you the very best of election services and vital records.”

In the race for Sangamon County Sheriff, Democratic candidate Marc Bell will appear on the ballot alongside two Republicans — Sheriff Paula Crouch and David A. Timm.

“I’ve spent my career protecting this community with integrity and compassion,” said Sheriff Paula Crouch. “As I file to continue serving as your Sheriff, my focus remains on safety, accountability, and ensuring Sangamon County is a place where every family can feel secure.”

The Sangamon County Republican Party has unanimously endorsed Sheriff Crouch in her bid for re-election.

Republican Joe Aiello also filed for re-election as County Treasurer and will run unopposed.

Republican County Board filings include: Harry “Tom” Fraase (District 1); James R. “Rusty” Edwards Jr. (District 2); David W. Mendenhall and Samantha Auby (District 3); Lanae Clarke (District 4); Dan Rourke (District 5); Tracy L. Sheppard (District 6); Richard “Rich” King (District 7); Paul Truax (District 10); James Schackmann (District 11); Joel E. Tjelmeland Jr. (District 14); Justin W. Davsko (District 26); and Adam Davsko (District 29). The only Republican primary will be in District 3 between Mendenhall and Auby. The Sangamon County Republican Party has also unanimously endorsed David W. Mendenhall in that race.

Democratic candidates include: Angela Griffin (District 5); Tara Bergschneider (District 7); Kimberly Estes (District 10); Sam Cahnman and Miguel M. Valente (District 18); Linda Douglas-Williams (District 20); Reginald Guyton for a two-year unexpired term in District 21; and Anthony J. “Tony” DelGiorno (District 23).

At the federal level, filings for congressional seats also include Sangamon County voters. In the 13th District, Democrat Nikki Budzinski of Springfield filed for re-election and will face Dylan Blaha and Emily Lux, both of Urbana, in the Democratic primary. Republicans Jeff Wilson of Mahomet and Joshua Loyd of Virden will compete for their party’s nomination.

In the 15th District, incumbent Republican Mary Miller of Hindsboro will face Judy Bowlby of Dawson and Ryan Tebrugge of Springfield in the GOP primary. Democrats Randy Raley of Highland, Jennifer Todd of Edwardsville, Paul Davis of Collinsville, and Kyle Nudo of Glen Carbon will square off in their party’s primary.

With filing now closed, the Sangamon County Clerk’s Office will finalize local ballot order later this month, following any required lottery drawings for simultaneous filings. The Illinois State Board of Elections will complete certification of congressional filings once statewide and district paperwork is verified.