2 candidates are tracked for McHenry County Board District 1 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Matthew Kunkle and Deanna "Dee" Darling. Candidate information follows official McHenry County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Republican incumbent Matthew Kunkle (1,591 votes) and Democrat Deanna 'Dee' Darling (3,209 votes) each won their party's nomination on March 17, 2026, per the McHenry County Clerk's official primary results reported by Shaw Local's Northwest Herald. They meet on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
County commissioner. The county board is the county's legislative and, in most states, executive body. Commissioners adopt the county budget and property tax rate, oversee roads, the jail, public health, planning and zoning in unincorporated areas, and appoint or confirm department heads. In counties with an elected county executive or judge, the board's role is mainly the budget and ordinances.
Illinois › McHenry County › McHenry County Board District 1
Top priorities
Per the campaign site.
Kunkle has worked in law enforcement and the construction industry and has served one term as McHenry County Board member for District 1, per the campaign site.
Top priorities
Per the Democratic Party of McHenry County press release.
Deanna 'Dee' Darling is a current Cary School District 26 school board member, per Democratic Party of McHenry County press release. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Deanna "Dee" Darling.
Who is running for McHenry County Board District 1 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for McHenry County Board District 1 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Matthew Kunkle and Deanna "Dee" Darling. Candidate information follows official McHenry County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the McHenry County Board District 1 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 McHenry 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 McHenry County and state election office filings, last verified October 1, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official Illinois election office, or see the full McHenry County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
23 tracked races in McHenry County, Illinois. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.