The Ballot Brief
McHenry County, Illinois

McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools

2 candidates are tracked for McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Diana Hartmann and Bridget Belcastro. Candidate information follows official McHenry County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Republican incumbent Diana Hartmann ran unopposed for her party's nomination on March 17, 2026 (13,246 votes); no Democrat filed for the office in the primary. Democrat Bridget Belcastro is running in November per her own campaign site and party materials, consistent with Illinois' process allowing county parties to fill nomination vacancies after a primary in which no candidate filed. Sources: McHenry County Clerk's official primary results reported by Shaw Local's Northwest Herald; Bridget Belcastro campaign site.

What this office does

State board of education member. A state board of education sets statewide academic standards, approves graduation requirements and teacher-licensing rules, adopts the state's school accountability system and, in many states, hires the state superintendent. Members represent districts drawn across the state. Local school boards still run the schools day to day. A regional superintendent of schools handles teacher certification, school safety inspections and other state-mandated services for the school districts in a multi-county region.

This race. The sitting officeholder, Diana Hartmann, is on the ballot.

Illinois › McHenry County › McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools

Diana Hartmann

Republican Incumbent

Top priorities
  • Ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed
  • Fiscal responsibility in stewardship of public resources
  • Strengthen support systems for teachers and staff

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Diana Hartmann has more than 30 years of experience in K-12 education, including as a classroom teacher, coach, school administrator and district special-education administrator, per Diana Hartmann campaign site. She holds a bachelor's degree in economics, a master's degree in secondary education, and an Ed.S. with an Ed.D. in progress from Northern Illinois University, per Diana Hartmann campaign site. She was nominated to fill the Regional Superintendent vacancy in January 2022 and now serves as Regional Superintendent of Schools, per McHenry County, IL official county news.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Bridget Belcastro

Democratic

Top priorities
  • Support schools with experienced leadership
  • Address truancy, attendance and school funding shortfalls
  • Advocate for more resources for students

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Bridget Belcastro has 32 years in education, including 19 years as a school administrator and 11 years as principal of Johnsburg Elementary School, per Bridget Belcastro campaign site. She holds a doctorate in education from Loyola University and was named the 2024 Illinois Elementary Principal of the Year and a 2024 National Distinguished Principal, per Bridget Belcastro campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)
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Questions about this race

Who is running for McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Diana Hartmann and Bridget Belcastro. Candidate information follows official McHenry County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools 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.

Verify this race

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.

The rest of your McHenry County ballot

23 tracked races in McHenry County, Illinois. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
McHenry County Board District 2McHenry County Board District 3McHenry County Board District 4See all 23 McHenry County races
Candidate profiles
Diana Hartmann, full profileBridget Belcastro, full profileOfficial Illinois election office