A Republican Will County Sheriff? Jim Reilly Faces Primary Competition From Command Staff

JOLIET, IL — The Will County Sheriff's race will be one of the most hotly watched political contests next year as both the Democrats and the Republicans will have primaries. On Monday, Joliet Patch received notification from Will County Undersheriff Brian Conser that he will be running as a Republican — against fellow sheriff's deputy Jim Reilly. On the Democrat side, Patch has already reported on the candidacies of Chief Deputy Sheriff Dan Jungles and Sgt. Patrick Jones.

Three-term Democrat sheriff Mike Kelley is retiring from the agency next year.

According to the Will County Sheriff's Office command staff profiles, Undersheriff Conser has been a member of the Will County Sheriff's Office since 1996. As a deputy, he was assigned to the Will County Adult Detention Facility and the patrol division. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and to lieutenant in 2014. As a sergeant and lieutenant, he was a supervisor in patrol and at the Will County Courthouse.

According to Conser's campaign announcement from Monday, "For nearly 30 years, I have dedicated my life to the Will County Sheriff’s Office. Every day, I’ve worn the badge not as a symbol of power, but as a promise — to protect, to serve, and to stand between danger and our families. As your current Undersheriff and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, I’ve always believed in service before self, and that belief has guided every step of my career. But today, I’m called to take that service one step further.

"This campaign isn’t just about me. It’s about every mother who wants her child to walk home safely. It’s about every father working late shifts, trusting that someone is watching over his family. It’s about every senior, every student, every neighbor who deserves to live in a county where safety is not a privilege, but a right.

"As your next Sheriff, I will fight every day to make that right a reality. I will champion programs in our Adult Detention Facility that aim not just to punish, but to heal — cutting recidivism, restoring lives, and saving taxpayer dollars. I will work hand in hand with the Will County Board to secure state-of-the-art equipment, body cameras for accountability, and technology that breaks down language barriers with the help of artificial intelligence — ensuring that no one is misunderstood or unseen in moments of crisis.

"I will push for training that prepares our deputies not only for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s threats. With updated simulation technology for real-world scenarios and safer driving, our officers will be better prepared, more responsive, and more compassionate.

"This is not about red or blue — this is about red, white, and blue. My door will always be open. I will lead with transparency, honesty, and approachability, listening to every voice, regardless of party or background. Because true public safety starts with trust — and trust is something we must earn every single day. I am ready to earn yours.

"Together, let us build a Will County where every family can sleep soundly at night, knowing someone is watching over them — not with fear, but with love, integrity, and courage. From my family to yours — thank you for believing in the possibility of something better. It would be the greatest honor of my life to serve as your next Sheriff."

Previous Joliet Patch coverage of the Will County Sheriff's race:

Will County Sheriff Candidate Reveals SAFE-T-Act Stance In Campaign Announcement

2nd Will County Sheriff Candidate Emerges For 2026 Democratic Primary

Will County's Next Sheriff: Will Jungles Succeed Mike Kelley?