Sangamon County Primary Election Preview

Voters across Sangamon County will head to the polls on Tuesday March 17th for the Illinois primary election, where several high-profile races will determine party nominees for offices ranging from governor to U.S. Senate to local countywide offices.

Among the most closely watched contests is the Republican primary for governor. Incumbent Democratic Governor JB Pritzker is running unopposed in his party’s primary and will face the Republican nominee in November. Republicans seeking the nomination include former state senator Darren Bailey, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, businessman and policy analyst Ted Dabrowski, and real estate developer Rick Heidner.

Bailey served in the Illinois General Assembly and was the Republican nominee for governor in 2022, when he lost to Pritzker in the general election. Bailey lost the suburbs by 35 percent and lost the statewide vote by nearly 13 percent. He has also declined to attend four debates during the current primary campaign. Mendrick has centered his campaign on public safety and law enforcement issues. Dabrowski, a former president of the policy organization Wirepoints and former analyst with the Illinois Policy Institute, has focused on economic policy and Illinois’ fiscal challenges and has been endorsed by a number of conservative organizations and elected officials. Heidner, a Barrington Hills real estate developer and business owner, has emphasized economic growth and improving the state’s business climate.

Sangamon County voters will also decide the Republican primary for sheriff between incumbent Sheriff Paula Crouch and former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy David Timm. Crouch was appointed sheriff in 2024 and is seeking election to a full term. Her campaign highlights nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Springfield Police Department, where she rose to lieutenant and worked as a narcotics investigator, hostage negotiator, Crime Stoppers coordinator, and crimes against children investigator. She has received endorsements from the Sangamon County Republican Party, former sheriffs Neil Williamson and Jack Campbell, State’s Attorney John Milhiser, Treasurer Joe Aiello, Auditor Andy Goleman, Coroner Jim Allmon, Circuit Clerk Joe Roesch, and State Representative Mike Coffey, among other local officials.

Timm, a retired deputy who spent more than two decades with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, is campaigning on his experience within the department. Sheriff’s office records show he was the subject of several disciplinary complaints during his career, including misuse of department equipment and other conduct violations. Records show he was suspended for policy violations and later terminated in 2008 after an investigation found he had violated multiple sections of the sheriff’s office rules and regulations, though the termination was later overturned through arbitration. Court records also show that earlier in his life Timm pleaded guilty in a burglary and trespass to a motor vehicle case and was placed on probation. Timm has received endorsements from several police unions as well as union president Travis Koester.

In addition to candidate races, voters will decide whether to create a Sangamon County Mental Health Board, a proposal supporters say would significantly expand local mental health and addiction services. The referendum proposes funding the board through a one-half percent increase in the local sales tax, $0.50 on a $100 purchase, Excluding grocceries, medicine, and services. If approved, the board would distribute funding to community organizations providing mental health and substance use services.

The proposal has drawn bipartisan support from community and political leaders, including Sergio “Satch” Pecori, Ryan Croke, State Senator Doris Turner, and Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser. It has also been supported by organizations including the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, the Sangamon County Farm Bureau, and both major Springfield hospital systems. Supporters say the funding could expand treatment access and reduce pressure on systems such as county jails and hospital emergency rooms, which often become the first point of contact during mental health crises. Voters who do not wish to participate in party primaries may also request a referendum-only ballot in order to vote on the question.

The retirement of longtime U.S. Senator Dick Durbin has opened one of Illinois’ Senate seats, triggering contested primaries in both parties. Democratic candidates include Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly of Matteson, each running statewide campaigns focused on issues such as economic policy, health care, and federal funding priorities.

Republican candidates include former Illinois Republican Party chairman Don Tracy, physician Pamela Denise Long, attorney Jeannie Evans, and several others seeking the nomination. Their campaigns have largely focused on federal spending, immigration policy, and economic issues. The Sangamon County Republican Party has endorsed Tracy in the race.

The race for Illinois Comptroller is also on the ballot. Incumbent Susana Mendoza is not seeking reelection, opening a competitive Democratic primary. Candidates include State Representative Margaret Croke of Chicago, State Representative Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego, State Senator Karina Villa of West Chicago, and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim. The winner will face Republican Bryan Drew, a southern Illinois attorney running unopposed in the Republican primary.

The ballot also includes the race for Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. Incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski faces a primary challenge from medical research scientist Dylan Blaha. Republicans will choose between Joshua Loyd, a veteran who previously ran for the seat, and Champaign County Board member Jeff Wilson.

Voters in Sangamon County will decide these races in the primary election on Tuesday, March 17. Early voting continues through the final weekend and into the day before the election at the Sangamon County Election Office, 200 South 9th Street in Springfield. Early voting hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.