Lesko Announces Campaign Against Turner

Sangamon County Recorder Frank Lesko has officially announced his candidacy for the Illinois Senate, setting up what will be a closely watched contest against incumbent Senator Doris Turner (D–Springfield) in the 48th District. Lesko, a former Springfield alderman and City Clerk, confirmed his decision to run this week, declaring his intent to bring new leadership to the district.

Lesko enters the race with a reputation for winning close races. In 2024, he secured the Recorder’s office by just 31 votes, campaigning on a pledge to eliminate the office altogether. That effort came to fruition earlier this year when Sangamon County voters approved a referendum to dissolve the office. Despite being frequently outspent, Lesko has managed to pull off victories against formidable opponents, a quality local Republicans say makes him a strong contender in 2026.

Turner, appointed to the Illinois Senate in 2021 after the resignation of Andy Manar, won a full term in 2022 by defeating Republican State Representative Sandy Hamilton by roughly 1,400 votes. She has since built a sizable campaign war chest, reporting more than $500,000 on hand entering the third quarter of this year. Lesko, by comparison, has reported just over $8,000.

The 48th Senate District, which runs from Springfield to Decatur, was the site of the most expensive legislative contest in state history in 2022, with more than $6 million spent between both campaigns. Political strategists expect the 2026 race to once again attract significant attention, with Republicans viewing the district as a key pickup opportunity and Democrats determined to defend it.