Updated on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 2:47 p.m.
Michelle Jett is poised to be the next Champaign County executive.
The county’s director of administration maintained 60% of the vote in the Democratic primary over her opponent, Sanford Hess.
In a statement on social media, Jett thanked voters for their support.
“With 60% of the vote you have spoken loud and clear and we will be moving forward on protecting the Mahomet Aquifer, affordable housing, a coordinated effort to address domestic violence, providing quality County services to our residents, and more. I want and need your input and support on these efforts,” Jett wrote.
In a video posted on social media, her opponent Sanford Hess said he called Jett to concede the race and wish her luck in running county government.
“”I ran for office because I felt like I had something to contribute to my community,” Hess said. “I still feel that way, but ultimately the voters disagreed, but I think that it’s an important exercise of our right as members of this democracy — that if you think you could do a good job in office, you should run. It’s one of the most enlightening things that I’ve ever gone through.”
With no Republicans running for the position, Jett will take office in December following the November general election.
Updated on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:30 p.m.
Following an update from the Champaign County Clerk, additional mail-in ballots have been cast, showing Michelle Jett has widened her lead in the race for Champaign County executive.
Jett now holds more than 60% of the vote over her opponent, Sanford Hess.
Results remain close for the proposal to fund an expansion of the Mahomet Public Library remains. As of Friday night, a 17-vote majority of counted votes favors rejecting the expansion.
Results remain unofficial, as under Illinois law, postmarked mail-in ballots can be counted if they arrive up to two weeks after Election Day.
Champaign County March 17 primary unofficial election results
The following vote tallies are listed according to the Champaign County Clerk’s office as of 10:30 p.m. These numbers will be updated when all remaining mail-in ballots have been counted.
Champaign County Executive Democratic Primary (4-year term)
Sanford Hess — 7,215
Michelle Jett — 10,846
IL-13 Democratic Primary
Dylan Blaha — 6,396
Nikki Budzinski (incumbent) — 9,368
Note: The above results are for Champaign County. The Associated Press has called the Democratic primary for Rep. Budzinski.
Mahomet Public Library Expansion
Shall bonds of the Mahomet Public Library District, Champaign County, Illinois, in the amount of $8,925,000 be issued for the purpose of repairing, improving and building an addition to the existing library building?
Yes — 1,420
No — 1,437
Champaign County Board District 6
Chyna Figueroa-Dixon — 953
Ryan Musgrove — 411
Champaign County Non-Binding Advisory Questions
To address Champaign County’s General Fund structural deficit, I support:
Raising Taxes — 11,299
Cutting Personnel and Services — 14,286
To address Champaign County’s General Fund structural deficit, I support an increase to sales tax on purchases of goods (not including food and medicine) in Champaign County.
Yes — 10,637
No — 17,029
To address Champaign County’s General Fund structural deficit, I support an increase to the County’s property tax rate that could result in paying a higher property tax.
Yes — 6,495
No — 21,196
Updated Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11:53 p.m.
Champaign County voters weighed in on several local races Tuesday night during Illinois’ primary election, which also included multiple statewide positions and congressional districts.
While Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons’ office will continue counting mail-in votes in the coming days, preliminary results from early and Election Day voting show certain candidates and proposals holding a strong lead.
The Associated Press has called the primary races for Illinois’ 13th congressional district, which spans from Champaign County to the Metro East. Democratic incumbent Nikki Budzinski, who is seeking a third term in office, defeated challenger Dylan Blaha. On the Republican side, voters nominated Champaign County Board member Jeff Wilson over Joshua Loyd.
In the Democratic primary for Champaign County executive, Michelle Jett, the county’s director of administration, currently holds the lead over her opponent, Sanford Hess. Since no Republican is running for the position, whoever wins the primary is set to be elected executive in the November general election.
Results are close in Mahomet for the ballot proposal to expand the village’s public library, with a narrow majority of the votes counted thus far opposed to the bond proposal. The measure would authorize a property tax increase and an $8.9 million bond to pay for renovations.
The only contested race for the Champaign County Board is in District 6, which includes parts of northwest Champaign County. Chyna Figueroa-Dixon currently leads Ryan Musgrove.
And on a series of three ballot questions meant to guide how Champaign County tackles its deficit, voters expressed opposition to potential property and sales tax increases while voicing support for a reduction in staff and county services. The questions are non-binding and do not enact any taxing or policy changes.
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 9:57 p.m.
Mayor of Evanston Daniel Biss has won the Democratic nomination for the 9th congressional district beating Kat Abughazaleh and Laura Fine.
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 9:44 p.m.
Juliana Stratton has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate beating U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, according to the Associated Press.
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 9:26 p.m.
On the Democratic side, it remains a nail-biter between Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi for the U.S, Senate seat. With 69% of votes in, Stratton leads 39 to 33%, at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday night. Second District congresswoman Robin Kelly, also running for the U.S. Senate, is running 3rd at nearly 19%. Jeff Wilson has secured the Republican nomination for Illinois’ 13th congressional district, according to the Associated Press.
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 8:03 p.m.
With 67% of the results in, Donna Miller holds a steady lead over Jesse Jackson Jr. for the Democrats in congressional District 2. In congressional District 5, incumbent Mike Quigley is in the lead for the Democrats and Tommy Hanson is ahead of other Republican candidates for with more than 70% of the results in for both parties. Juliana Stratton and Raja Krishnamoorthi are still close for the U.S. Senate race on the Democratic side with 48% of the results in.
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 7:19 p.m.
With less than 1% of polls in, Darren Bailey leads the GOP candidates for Governor. Don Tracy leads the GOP candidates for U.S. Senate. Juliana Stratton and Raja Krishnamoorthi are already neck and neck on the Democratic side. It’s too early for any results in Congressional Districts 2 and 15. However, in Congressional District 13, Nikki Budzinski leads Dylan Blaha on the Democratic side and Jeff Wilson leads Joshua Loyd. Less than 10 percent of results are in.
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Polls have closed in Illinois.
The polls are now closed! If you're still in line, stay put! Your vote matters, and you have the right to cast it. 📷 It might take a while to get results, so please remain patient. pic.twitter.com/wpmCeRXztO
— Illinois SBE (@illinoissbe) March 17, 2026
Updated Tuesday March 17, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.
The polls open at 6:00 a.m. for the March 17, 2026 primary election in Illinois.
Voting locations will be available until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Several polling places in Champaign County are unavailable due to a shortage of election judges. Voters can visit any polling location to cast a ballot.
IPM News’ voter guide has information about the candidates, races and ballot proposals in the primary.
This is a developing story. IPM News will provide updates as more information becomes available.