Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell announced his retirement earlier this month, with his departure effective no later than August 31st. In response, the Sangamon County Board has begun the process of selecting a new sheriff to serve the remainder of Campbell’s term, which concludes with a general election on November 3, 2026.
Under Illinois law, the Sangamon County Board Chair is required to nominate a candidate for sheriff within 60 days of the vacancy. The nominee must then be confirmed by the County Board. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Sangamon County for at least a year, free of felony convictions, and must have successfully completed the Minimum Standards Basic Law Enforcement Officers Training Course as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board or a similar program from another state or the federal government. Additionally, the nominee must be a Republican, as Sheriff Campbell was last elected under that party’s banner.
Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter emphasized the significance of the role and the need for qualified applicants. “We are at a critical juncture for law enforcement in Sangamon County. The role of Sheriff is vital not only for maintaining public safety but also for fostering trust and cooperation between the Sheriff's Office and our community. I strongly encourage all qualified individuals who are committed to these values to step forward and apply. This is not just a job; it is a responsibility to lead with integrity, transparency, and dedication. The community is counting on someone who can rise to the occasion and uphold the highest standards of law enforcement,” Van Meter said.
To facilitate the selection process, Van Meter has established a review committee comprising a mix of legal experts, board members, and law enforcement veterans. The committee is chaired by Pat Kelley, a retired 7th District Circuit Court Judge and former Sangamon County State’s Attorney. Other members include Joel Tjelmeland, a Sangamon County Board member and Chairman of the Jail Committee; Linda Douglas-Williams, a Sangamon County Board member and ranking Democrat on the Jail Committee; Raymond Poe, a retired Illinois State Representative and former Illinois Director of Agriculture; Mary Beth Rodgers, First Assistant Sangamon County State’s Attorney and Springfield Park Board member; Chico Belle, a retired Deputy from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office; and Catie Sheehan, SIU System Executive Director of Marketing & Communications and former Vice Chair of the Sangamon County Board.
“I and my fellow committee members are honored to be entrusted with this responsibility by Chairman Van Meter,” said Kelley. “Throughout my years of service in the judiciary and as a State’s Attorney, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that effective law enforcement can have on a community. A strong, principled sheriff’s office is essential for ensuring justice and maintaining public confidence in our legal system. Our goal as a committee is to conduct a thorough and fair evaluation of all applicants and to select the best candidate who can lead the office with competence, integrity, and a clear vision for the future."
In the interim, the vacancy will be temporarily filled by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon, as required by Section 3-3010 of the Illinois Counties Code. The code stipulates that if no Chief Deputy is designated to fill the role, the County Coroner assumes the duties of Sheriff. Allmon will serve in this capacity until a permanent replacement is appointed.
"While I did not seek or request this temporary assignment, I fully understand the importance of continuity in the Sheriff's Office during this transition period. I am prepared to ensure that the Sheriff's Office operates smoothly and efficiently, and I know that the existing team in the Sheriff’s Office shares that same dedication. My role will be to uphold the constitutional responsibilities of the Sheriff's Office until a permanent successor is appointed, and I will work closely with the staff to maintain public safety and service during this interim period," Allmon stated.
The Sangamon County Board is encouraging all eligible individuals to submit their resumes, letters of interest, and any supporting materials by September 3rd. Applications can be submitted via email to County@co.sangamon.il.us or delivered to the Sangamon County Board Office, located in the Sangamon South Building, 300 S 9th St, Floor #2, Springfield, IL 62701 (formerly the State Journal-Register Building).