2 candidates are tracked for Cook County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Thomas J. Dart and Brad Sandefur. Candidate information follows official Cook County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
On Cook County's November 3, 2026 general election ballot, per the Cook County Clerk's official candidate filing list.
Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.
This race. Every voter in Cook County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, Thomas J. Dart, is on the ballot.
Illinois › Cook County › Cook County Sheriff
Democratic Incumbent
Thomas J. Dart is the sitting Cook County Sheriff, per the county's official rosters. He is the Democratic nominee for reelection on the November 3, 2026 ballot. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Libertarian
Per the campaign site.
Sandefur has served in the Cook County Sheriff's Office since 1990, more than 30 years, in roles including correctional officer, police officer, tactical officer, investigator, academy instructor, and shift commander, per the campaign site. Sandefur is a former U.S. Marine and holds a master's degree in criminal justice with a forensic psychology focus, per the campaign site.
Who is running for Cook County Sheriff in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Cook County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Thomas J. Dart and Brad Sandefur. Candidate information follows official Cook County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Cook County Sheriff election in Illinois?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Illinois are on the Illinois election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Cook County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Cook County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Illinois election office, or see the full Cook County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
135 tracked races in Cook County, Illinois. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.