Sanford Hess Launches Campaign for Champaign County Executive

Sanford Hess, a seasoned government professional, has officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party’s nomination for Champaign County executive in the upcoming 2026 election. Hess, 54, brings decades of experience in government administration, asserting that he possesses a unique skill set to navigate the complexities of local governance.

Hess’s background includes a strong educational foundation in mathematics and history from the College of William & Mary. His expertise in these fields led him to a career in information technology, which has taken him across the United States, eventually bringing him to Champaign-Urbana. He has held significant roles, including serving as a financial consultant and technology director for the city of Urbana, and is currently a private consultant. Recently, he was appointed project manager for the implementation of a new financial system in McLean County.

Campaign Dynamics and Challenges

The election for the county executive position is set for November 2026, but the decisive moment for candidates will likely occur earlier during the March Democratic primary. Hess will face incumbent Michelle Jett, the current director of administration for Champaign County. With a demographic shift over the years, Champaign County has transitioned from a typically Republican stronghold to a predominantly Democratic region. There is uncertainty about whether Republican candidates will emerge for countywide offices, which could limit voter options in the executive race.

Hess’s campaign includes a distinctive position regarding the county executive’s office itself. He has expressed support for placing a referendum on the ballot to evaluate the necessity of the executive’s role. This perspective is notable, as it is uncommon for candidates to seek election to an office they believe may not be needed. Previously, former Democratic Recorder Mike Ingram campaigned on a similar platform, successfully merging that office into the county clerk’s office by voter approval.

While Hess acknowledges that the executive office has not effectively served the residents, he insists that abolishing the position is not his primary goal. Currently, only two of Illinois’ 102 counties operate with an executive form of government. Should Champaign County eliminate this office, it would revert to a system with an elected chair and a professional administrator to manage daily operations alongside independently elected officials such as the treasurer, county clerk, and auditor.

Vision for Government Reform

Hess emphasizes the importance of professionalism in county governance, citing recent conflicts among county board members as evidence of a need for more effective management. He criticized the current administration’s attempts to undermine the auditor’s office by reallocating its responsibilities to the executive branch, suggesting a lack of transparency with the public.

Looking ahead, Hess warns of potential “significant financial constraints” that the county may face in coming years. He believes that effective management and collaboration among county officials will become increasingly critical. “I believe in the professionalization of government,” he stated, highlighting the need for efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency in operations.

Beyond his campaign efforts, Hess enjoys spending time with his family, including his college-age son, and dedicates much of his free time to connecting with constituents about the future of the executive office. Describing himself as an “optimistic person by nature,” he has been actively engaging with the community, knocking on doors to share his message of experience and vision for Champaign County.