Sanford Hess Launches Campaign for Champaign County Executive

Sanford Hess has announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party’s nomination for Champaign County executive in the upcoming 2026 election. With over two decades of experience in government roles, Hess aims to leverage his expertise in administration and finance to address the needs of the county.

Hess, 54, emphasized his qualifications, stating, “I understand how to get things done. I have a skill set in government administration.” Originally from Virginia, he holds degrees in math and history from the College of William & Mary. This mathematical background helped him transition into information technology, a field that has taken him across the United States, ultimately leading him to the Champaign-Urbana area.

Hess has held various positions, including serving as a financial consultant and technology director for the city of Urbana. Currently, he works as a private consultant and has recently been appointed as the project manager for McLean County’s new financial system.

Challenging the Status Quo

Hess’s campaign is notable for two primary reasons. First, the election for county executive is set for November 2026, but significant decisions will likely occur during the March Democratic primary. In this primary, Hess will compete against Michelle Jett, the current director of administration for Champaign County.

Once a stronghold for the Republican Party, Champaign County has shifted toward a Democratic majority due to changing demographics. As a result, it remains uncertain whether the Republican Party will field candidates for countywide offices in the upcoming election. Voters wishing to influence the executive race will need to participate in the Democratic primary.

The second distinctive aspect of Hess’s campaign is his belief that the executive’s office may not be necessary. He advocates for putting the question of its future on the ballot. This stance is unusual, as it is uncommon for candidates to seek election to an office they believe should be abolished. A precedent exists, however, with former Democratic Recorder Mike Ingram, who ran for his position with a similar pledge, resulting in the merger of the recorder’s office into the county clerk’s office after voter approval.

If the executive position is abolished, Champaign County would revert to its previous governance structure, which includes an elected chair and a professional administrator responsible for daily operations. This change would align the county with other independent elected offices, such as treasurer, county clerk, and auditor.

Fostering Professionalism in Governance

Hess has expressed concerns about the current executive office’s effectiveness, stating that it has not adequately served the public’s interests. While he advocates for its potential termination, he emphasizes that this is not his primary focus. His commitment lies in fostering a government characterized by “efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency.”

He has highlighted recent lapses in professionalism among county board members, citing instances of public insults and attempts to undermine the auditor’s office by transferring most of its responsibilities to the executive. Hess believes that there has not been enough transparency regarding these actions, a situation he aims to rectify.

Looking ahead, Hess predicts that Champaign County will encounter “significant financial constraints” in the coming years. He asserts that effective management and collaboration among county officials will be crucial in navigating these challenges.

Despite his busy campaign schedule, Hess finds time for personal interests, including watching movies and reading. He describes himself as an “optimistic person by nature” and has been actively engaging with residents to share his vision for the county executive’s office. His grassroots approach involves “knocking on doors” to connect with voters and communicate his extensive experience in government.