Politics & Government

Johnson Leads Russell In Kane County Sheriff Election: Unofficial Results

As of Tuesday night, more than 165,000 ballots were cast in the race for Kane County sheriff.

KANE COUNTY, IL — Current Undersheriff Amy Johnson is leading former Coroner Rob Russell in the race for Kane County sheriff, according to unofficial tallies from the county clerk's office.

Voters took to the polls Tuesday to choose between the Democrat Johnson and Republican Russell. Take a look at the vote totals, as of 10:50 p.m.

  • Johnson: 101,929 votes (62.21 percent)
  • Russell: 61,916 votes (37.79 percent)

The polls closed at 7 p.m. So far, the clerk's office is reporting a 56.79 percent turnout — with 165,994 ballots cast — for the race.

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It was up to voters to select a new sheriff after incumbent Ron Hain said in 2025 that he would not seek reelection after two terms, then announced in October that he would retire effective Nov. 1, just days before the general election.

Johnson has served her entire career in the Kane County Sheriff's Office, serving as patrol deputy, detective, evidence technician and chief of staff. She was appointed undersheriff in 2022, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the county.

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Russell, the former coroner, described himself as "uniquely positioned to become one of the most qualified [sheriffs] in the history of Kane County." He cited his "extensive experience in every applicable field of law enforcement including supervisory, administrative, community-oriented policing, special policing district, patrol, court security and corrections."

Election results are unofficial until certified by election authorities. This story will be updated as additional vote totals become available.

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