Winnebago County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
40 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 29 Winnebago County races, led by the Winnebago County Sheriff contest.
County offices
SheriffGary Caruana (R) · Dominick Barcellona (Independent)
Gary Caruana (Republican) and Dominick Barcellona (Independent) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Sheriff.
Gary Caruana Republican
- Community policing and community engagement
- Technology modernization, including body-worn cameras and a new records management system
- Employee wellness and career development programs
Per the campaign site.
About Gary Caruana
Gary Caruana has served as Winnebago County Sheriff since 2014 (12 years) after 8 years as a sheriff's deputy, and previously spent 26 years at United Parcel Service in security and operations leadership, per Gary Caruana campaign site.
Dominick Barcellona Independent
- Strategic planning and specialized unit development
- Leadership and personnel training
- Community-focused, proactive crime reduction
Per the campaign site.
About Dominick Barcellona
Dominick Barcellona spent nearly 30 years with the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, working in corrections, patrol and SWAT before retiring in 2023 at the rank of deputy chief, per Dominick Barcellona campaign site.
Republican incumbent Gary Caruana, seeking a fourth term, and independent candidate Dominick Barcellona, a retired Winnebago County Sheriff's Office deputy chief, appear on the ballot; no Democrat filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageClerkLori Gummow (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Lori Gummow (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Clerk.
Lori Gummow Republican Incumbent
- managing the clerk-recorder office merger
- modernizing election operations and integrity
- expanding online services for county residents
Per the campaign site.
About Lori Gummow
Lori Gummow is the sitting Winnebago County Clerk and Recorder, elected in November 2018, per the campaign site. Gummow founded and served as executive director of Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful, an environmental nonprofit, and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree from Judson University, per the campaign site.
Republican incumbent Lori Gummow is unopposed; no Democrat filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageTreasurerTheresa Grennan (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Theresa Grennan (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Treasurer.
Theresa Grennan Democratic Incumbent
Theresa Grennan has worked in the Winnebago County Treasurer's office since 1994 and previously served as chief deputy treasurer before being appointed treasurer on January 31, 2025, per Winnebago County Treasurer's Office, official page. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Theresa Grennan.
Democratic incumbent Theresa Grennan is unopposed; no Republican filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 1Aaron Booker (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Aaron Booker (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 1.
Aaron Booker Republican Incumbent
Aaron Booker represents District 1 on the Winnebago County Board, where he serves on the Public Safety and Judiciary and Zoning committees and was chosen vice chair of the board's Republican caucus in July 2026, per the Winnebago County GOP's candidate profile, which draws on the county board directory. The profile also describes a long career in law enforcement. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Republican incumbent Aaron Booker is unopposed; no Democrat filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 4Brad Lindmark (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Brad Lindmark (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 4.
Brad Lindmark Republican Incumbent
Brad Lindmark represents District 4 on the Winnebago County Board, chairs its Public Safety and Judiciary Committee and serves on the Economic Development Committee, per the Winnebago County GOP's candidate profile drawing on the county board directory. He was one of the board members behind the county's Ring video doorbell safety initiative, per Winnebago County. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Republican incumbent Brad Lindmark is unopposed; no Democrat filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 5David Tassoni (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
David Tassoni (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 5.
David Tassoni Democratic Incumbent
Dave Tassoni represents District 5 on the Winnebago County Board and chairs its Public Works Committee, per the county board's April 23, 2026 agenda and board roster. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Democratic incumbent David Tassoni is unopposed; no Republican filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 6Matthew J. Gabel (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Matthew J. Gabel (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 6.
Matthew J. Gabel Republican Incumbent
Matthew Gabel was sworn in on April 23, 2026 to represent District 6 on the Winnebago County Board. He serves as Harlem Township clerk and is a board member of Lifescape Community Services, per WIFR. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Republican incumbent Matthew J. Gabel is unopposed; no Democrat filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 7Paul M. Arena (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Paul M. Arena (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 7.
Paul M. Arena Republican Incumbent
Paul Arena is a Winnebago County Board member first elected in 2018 and leader of the board's Republican caucus, per his campaign site. He earned a manufacturing technology degree at Northern Illinois University and founded Arena Construction in 1992, a property development, management and renovation business, per his campaign site.
Republican incumbent Paul M. Arena won a contested March 17, 2026 primary over Michelle Lewis, 665 votes (72.92 percent) to 247 votes (27.08 percent); no Democrat filed. Sources: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list; Rock River Current primary results.
Full race pageBoard District 8Chad Bryden (R) · Eric S. West (D)
Chad Bryden Republican
Chad Bryden appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 8, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Chad Bryden.
Eric S. West Democratic
Eric S. West appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 8, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Eric S. West.
Democrat Eric S. West and Republican Chad Bryden meet on the November 3, 2026 ballot; the seat does not appear on the county board's current-member roster held by either name, indicating an open seat. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 9John Penney (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
John Penney (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 9.
John Penney Republican Incumbent
John Penney founded and directed Rockford Heat, an AAU affiliated girls basketball program, from 2005 to 2024, and coached basketball at Rockford Lutheran High School from 2016 to 2021, per the campaign site. Penney has served as vice president of the Northwestern Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council and president of the Rockford Lutheran Foundation, per the campaign site.
Republican incumbent John Penney is unopposed; no Democrat filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 10David L. Peyton (R) · Sully Cadengo (D)
David L. Peyton Republican
Dave Peyton describes himself as a small business owner of more than 23 years and an ordained pastor, and works as a community liaison in Rockford's 10th Ward and as a Republican precinct committeeperson, per the Winnebago County GOP's candidate profile. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Sully Cadengo Democratic
Sully Cadengo is a Realtor and president of the Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, per Rock River Current. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Sully Cadengo.
Democrat Sully Cadengo won a contested March 17, 2026 primary over Michael Suerth Jr., 532 votes (68.82 percent) to 241 votes (31.18 percent), and meets Republican David L. Peyton, who was unopposed in his primary, on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Sources: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list; Rock River Current primary results.
Full race pageBoard District 12 (Unexpired 2-Year Term)Freddy DeLaTrinidad (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Freddy DeLaTrinidad (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 12 (Unexpired 2-Year Term).
Freddy DeLaTrinidad Democratic Incumbent
Freddy De La Trinidad is a teacher at Jefferson High School in Rockford who was appointed to District 12 in June 2025 after Jaime Salgado left to join the Rockford City Council, per WIFR. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Democratic incumbent Freddy De La Trinidad won a contested March 17, 2026 primary over former Rockford City Council member Isidro Barrios, 301 votes (61.93 percent) to 185 votes (38.07 percent); no Republican filed. This seat is for an unexpired two-year term. Sources: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list; Rock River Current primary results.
Full race pageBoard District 14Timothy Nabors Jr. (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Timothy Nabors Jr. (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Board District 14.
Timothy Nabors Jr. Democratic Incumbent
Timothy Nabors is the County Board member for District 14 and a funeral director at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home, with degrees from Rock Valley College and the Worsham College of Mortuary Science, per the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board's page. He also sits on that mental health board, per the same page. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Democratic incumbent Timothy Nabors Jr. is unopposed; no Republican filed. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageBoard District 15Burt Gerl (R) · Kimberly Haley (D)
Burt Gerl Republican
Burt Gerl served on the Winnebago County Board from 2012 and chaired its Public Safety and Judiciary Committee from 2020 to 2022, per the Register Star's 2022 candidate guide. He worked for the City of Rockford public works department from 2007 to 2017 and has run a home remodeling business since 2018, per the same guide; as board chair of the Public Safety Committee he backed the county's Ring video doorbell safety initiative, per Winnebago County. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Kimberly Haley Democratic
Kimberly Haley is a Rockford Public Schools 205 board member, appointed in December 2022 and elected in 2023, and a student services advisor at Rock Valley College's Advanced Technology Center, per Northern Public Radio's 2025 candidate guide. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Democrat Kimberly Haley and Republican Burt Gerl meet on the November 3, 2026 ballot; the seat does not appear on the county board's current-member roster held by either name, indicating an open seat. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 candidate list.
Full race pageForest Preserve CommissionerNonpartisan race · Eric Johnson · George Kallstrom · Cheryl A. Maggio · Jeff Tilly
Eric Johnson, George Kallstrom, Cheryl A. Maggio and Jeff Tilly are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Forest Preserve Commissioner.
Eric Johnson Nonpartisan
No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
George Kallstrom Nonpartisan
No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Cheryl A. Maggio Nonpartisan
Cheryl Maggio has served on the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Board of Commissioners since first winning a seat in the November 2014 election, per the Rockford Register Star. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Jeff Tilly Nonpartisan
- Continuing to acquire and conserve forest land and expand the district's preserves and wildlife corridors
- Opposing a proposed data center and TIF industrial development near Kilbuck Creek and other environmentally sensitive areas
Per the campaign site.
About Jeff Tilly
Jeff Tilly is the sitting Forest Preserve Commissioner and the longest-serving President of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County Board of Commissioners, with twelve years on the board, per the district's governance page and his campaign site. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who earned degrees from Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University and works as Facilities Director at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford, per his campaign site.
Four nonpartisan candidates for Forest Preserve Commissioner appear on the county's official November 3, 2026 candidate list: Eric Johnson, George Kallstrom, Cheryl A. Maggio and Jeff Tilly. The list does not state how many seats are up; the seat count here is not confirmed and should be verified against the sample ballot before publication.
Full race pageAdvisory Question: Voter Photo IdentificationNonpartisan race · "Should Illinois law be changed to require voters to provide a valid photo identification once, either when registering to vote or before voting for the first time, while ensuring that all eligible citizens can obtain such identification free of charge and without unreasonable barriers?"
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
"Should Illinois law be changed to require voters to provide a valid photo identification once, either when registering to vote or before voting for the first time, while ensuring that all eligible citizens can obtain such identification free of charge and without unreasonable barriers?" is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Advisory Question: Voter Photo Identification.
"Should Illinois law be changed to require voters to provide a valid photo identification once, either when registering to vote or before voting for the first time, while ensuring that all eligible citizens can obtain such identification free of charge and without unreasonable barriers?" Nonpartisan
"Should Illinois law be changed to require voters to provide a valid photo identification once, either when registering to vote or before voting for the first time, while ensuring that all eligible citizens can obtain such identification free of charge and without unreasonable barriers?" appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Advisory Question: Voter Photo Identification, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for "Should Illinois law be changed to require voters to provide a valid photo identification once, either when registering to vote or before voting for the first time, while ensuring that all eligible citizens can obtain such identification free of charge and without unreasonable barriers?".
Non-binding advisory question asking whether Illinois law should require voters to provide valid photo identification once, either at registration or before voting for the first time, while ensuring free and unrestricted access to such identification. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 referenda questions.
Full race pageAdvisory Question: Property Tax ReliefNonpartisan race · "Should the Illinois General Assembly pass legislation to cap and lower local property taxes and provide state funding to local governments that agree to reduce property tax levies?"
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
"Should the Illinois General Assembly pass legislation to cap and lower local property taxes and provide state funding to local governments that agree to reduce property tax levies?" is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Advisory Question: Property Tax Relief.
"Should the Illinois General Assembly pass legislation to cap and lower local property taxes and provide state funding to local governments that agree to reduce property tax levies?" Nonpartisan
"Should the Illinois General Assembly pass legislation to cap and lower local property taxes and provide state funding to local governments that agree to reduce property tax levies?" appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Advisory Question: Property Tax Relief, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for "Should the Illinois General Assembly pass legislation to cap and lower local property taxes and provide state funding to local governments that agree to reduce property tax levies?".
Non-binding advisory question asking whether the Illinois General Assembly should pass legislation capping and lowering local property taxes, with state funding to local governments that agree to reduce property tax levies. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 referenda questions.
Full race pageSchool board
Regional Superintendent of Schools (Regional Office of Education #4)Scott Bloomquist (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Scott Bloomquist Republican
Scott Bloomquist is the Regional Superintendent for the Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education #4, per the office's website. The office describes his career as district superintendent, principal, curriculum director and assistant regional superintendent, per the Winnebago County GOP's profile drawing on the ROE4 biography. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Scott Bloomquist is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Regional Superintendent of Schools, Regional Office of Education #4 (Boone and Winnebago counties), per the Illinois State Board of Elections' certified 2026 general election candidate list. Illinois elects a regional superintendent countywide across the whole region every four years. The name still appears on the ballot; the race is uncontested.
Full race pageJudges
Circuit Court, 17th Judicial Circuit, 1st Subcircuit, Vacancy of Hon. LowryErin C. Hannigan (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Erin C. Hannigan Democratic
Erin Hannigan is a Resident Circuit Judge appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court effective January 20, 2026 to fill the vacancy left by Chief Judge John Lowry's retirement, per the 17th Judicial Circuit. She was Rockford's assistant city attorney from 2023 and an assistant public defender in Winnebago County from 2005, per the same release. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from Hamline University, per the release. No campaign website was found as of September 29, 2026.
Erin C. Hannigan is on the November 3, 2026 ballot to fill a vacancy in the 1st Subcircuit of the 17th Judicial Circuit (the seat vacated by the Hon. Lowry). The 17th Judicial Circuit covers Boone and Winnebago counties, but this subcircuit seat is elected only by voters inside its own subcircuit boundaries (this county list cannot narrow which part; check your sample ballot or county clerk). Listed from the Illinois State Board of Elections' certified 2026 general election candidate list.
Full race pageCircuit Court, 17th Judicial Circuit, 2nd Subcircuit, Vacancy of Hon. DohertyScott Robinson (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Scott Robinson Republican
- Bringing fairness, integrity and a deep respect for the law to the circuit court
- Drawing on his experience and personal background to serve residents with compassion
Per the campaign site.
About Scott Robinson
Robinson was appointed to the 17th Judicial Circuit by the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2024, per the campaign site. He graduated with honors from Northern Illinois University and earned his law degree with honors from the University of Illinois College of Law, then worked at small law firms and served as an assistant state's attorney in Ogle County and later Winnebago County, per the campaign site. He also taught at Hononegah High School in Rockton for nine years before returning to the law, per the campaign site.
Scott Robinson is on the November 3, 2026 ballot to fill a vacancy in the 2nd Subcircuit of the 17th Judicial Circuit (the seat vacated by the Hon. Doherty). The 17th Judicial Circuit covers Boone and Winnebago counties, but this subcircuit seat is elected only by voters inside its own subcircuit boundaries (this county list cannot narrow which part; check your sample ballot or county clerk). Listed from the Illinois State Board of Elections' certified 2026 general election candidate list.
Full race pageDistricts and boards
Pecatonica Fire Protection District Property Tax Limiting Rate IncreaseNonpartisan race · "Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Pecatonica Fire Protection District, Winnebago and Stephenson Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.3739% above the limiting rate for the purpose of fire protection and ambulance services including additional EMS staffing for levy year 2026 and be equal to 0.6500% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2026?"
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Pecatonica Fire Protection District, Winnebago and Stephenson Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.3739% above the limiting rate for the purpose of fire protection and ambulance services including additional EMS staffing for levy year 2026 and be equal to 0.6500% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2026?" is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Pecatonica Fire Protection District Property Tax Limiting Rate Increase.
"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Pecatonica Fire Protection District, Winnebago and Stephenson Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.3739% above the limiting rate for the purpose of fire protection and ambulance services including additional EMS staffing for levy year 2026 and be equal to 0.6500% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2026?" Nonpartisan
"Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Pecatonica Fire Protection District, Winnebago and Stephenson Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.3739% above the limiting rate for the purpose of fire protection and ambulance services including additional EMS staffing for levy year 2026 and be equal to 0.6500% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2026?" appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Pecatonica Fire Protection District Property Tax Limiting Rate Increase, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for "Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for Pecatonica Fire Protection District, Winnebago and Stephenson Counties, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.3739% above the limiting rate for the purpose of fire protection and ambulance services including additional EMS staffing for levy year 2026 and be equal to 0.6500% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2026?".
Binding proposition to increase the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law limiting rate for the Pecatonica Fire Protection District (which spans parts of Winnebago and Stephenson counties) by 0.3739 percentage points, to 0.65 percent of equalized assessed value, to fund fire protection, ambulance service and additional EMS staffing for levy year 2026. The county clerk's notice estimates this would raise the district's extendable tax roughly from $480,780 to $1,215,500, adding about $124.63 a year for a $100,000 home. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 referenda questions.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Winnebago County is split across 7 Illinois Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressIllinois Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 35, 45
Illinois Senate District 35Sarah B. Mertens (D) · Dave Syverson (R)
Sarah B. Mertens Democratic
Sarah B. Mertens is the Democratic candidate for Illinois Senate District 35 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the State Board of Elections' certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Dave Syverson Republican Incumbent
Dave Syverson is the incumbent state senator for the 35th District, per the official Illinois Senate website. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Sarah B. Mertens (Democratic), Dave Syverson (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Dave Syverson is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIllinois Senate District 45Joseph H. "Joe" Berning (D) · Andrew S. Chesney (R)
Joseph H. "Joe" Berning Democratic
Joseph "Joe" Berning is a retired agricultural consultant who operated JB Consulting, advising farmers in northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin, per his campaign site. Born and raised on a dairy and hog farm north of Galena, he spent a 44-year career in sales, marketing and management, including as a district sales manager for a Fortune 500 agricultural feed company.
Andrew S. Chesney Republican Incumbent
Andrew S. Chesney has represented the 45th Senate District since 2023 after serving as state representative for the 89th District from 2018 to 2023, per his ilga.gov profile. A small business owner from Carroll County, he graduated cum laude from Arizona State University and previously served on Freeport's city council. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Joseph H. "Joe" Berning (Democratic), Andrew S. Chesney (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Andrew S. Chesney is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIllinois House: 5 districtsDistricts 67, 68, 69, 89, 90
Illinois House District 67Maurice A. II West (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Maurice A. II West Democratic Incumbent
Maurice A. West, II is an ordained minister and Assistant Majority Leader who has represented the 67th District since 2019, per his ilga.gov profile. He founded the music production company Music With Pleasure LLC and received the Council of State Governments' 20 Under 40 Leadership Award in 2024. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Maurice A. II West (Democratic) is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot; Maurice A. II West is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIllinois House District 68Dave Vella (D) · Kathy Easton (R)
Dave Vella Democratic Incumbent
Dave Vella is the Democratic candidate for Illinois House District 68 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the State Board of Elections' certified candidate list. Dave Vella is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Vella is the sitting state representative for the 68th District and a lifelong Rockford resident who practices law. He holds a B.A. from Augustana College and a J.D. from Northern Illinois University, per the General Assembly's roster. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Kathy Easton Republican
- Property taxes and cost of living
- Government accountability and fiscal responsibility
- Community-focused governance and neighborhood safety
Per the campaign site.
About Kathy Easton
Kathy Easton is a small business owner and lifelong Rockford-area resident, per her campaign site. She is challenging incumbent Rep. Dave Vella, per MyStateline.
Dave Vella (Democratic), Kathy Easton (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Dave Vella is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIllinois House District 69Peter Janko (D) · Joe C. Sosnowski (R)
Peter Janko Democratic
- State-level healthcare access through the Illinois Care Initiative
- Expanding passenger rail to connect communities to jobs
- Historic preservation as community and economic development
Per the campaign site.
About Peter Janko
Peter Janko is the Democratic candidate for Illinois House District 69 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the State Board of Elections' certified candidate list. Janko is a retired engineer and preservationist who worked as a telecommunications product designer at Motorola and later founded Lumenelle Lighting Design and Restoration, a historic preservation firm, per his campaign site. He also served as lead engineer on a $22 million Illinois State Toll Highway Authority infrastructure project. He is a Marengo resident and Democratic State Central Committeeman for Illinois's 11th Congressional District running against incumbent Rep. Joe Sosnowski.
Joe C. Sosnowski Republican Incumbent
Joe C. Sosnowski previously served as an alderman in DeKalb and Rockford and worked in institutional advancement for Rockford Christian Schools, per the Illinois General Assembly. He has represented the 69th District since 2011. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Peter Janko (Democratic), Joe C. Sosnowski (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Joe C. Sosnowski is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIllinois House District 89Tony M. McCombie (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Tony M. McCombie Republican Incumbent
Tony M. McCombie is the Republican candidate for Illinois House District 89 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the State Board of Elections' certified candidate list. Tony M. McCombie is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. McCombie is the sitting state representative for the 89th District and serves as House Minority Leader. She previously served as alderperson and mayor of Savanna and has worked in banking, insurance and real estate, per the General Assembly's roster. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Tony M. McCombie (Republican) is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot; Tony M. McCombie is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIllinois House District 90John M. Cabello (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
John M. Cabello Republican Incumbent
- Public safety and support for law enforcement
- Support for small businesses
Per the campaign site.
About John M. Cabello
John M. Cabello, a Republican, is the sitting Illinois state representative for District 90 and serves as Assistant Minority Leader, per the Illinois House's official roster. He has served as a police officer for nearly three decades and was first appointed to the Illinois House in August 2012, per his campaign site.
John M. Cabello (Republican) is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot; John M. Cabello is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 17 primary (plurality, no runoffs); independent and new-party candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' 2026 General Election candidate list (status Active, read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageAdvisory Question: Legislative Redistricting ProcessNonpartisan race · "Should legislative districts be compact, contiguous and equal in population, drawn by a non-partisan commission, not by elected officials, without consideration of party registration and voting history data?"
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
"Should legislative districts be compact, contiguous and equal in population, drawn by a non-partisan commission, not by elected officials, without consideration of party registration and voting history data?" is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Advisory Question: Legislative Redistricting Process.
"Should legislative districts be compact, contiguous and equal in population, drawn by a non-partisan commission, not by elected officials, without consideration of party registration and voting history data?" Nonpartisan
"Should legislative districts be compact, contiguous and equal in population, drawn by a non-partisan commission, not by elected officials, without consideration of party registration and voting history data?" appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Winnebago County Advisory Question: Legislative Redistricting Process, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for "Should legislative districts be compact, contiguous and equal in population, drawn by a non-partisan commission, not by elected officials, without consideration of party registration and voting history data?".
Non-binding advisory question asking whether state legislative districts should be drawn compact, contiguous and equal in population by a nonpartisan commission rather than elected officials, without regard to party registration or voting history. Source: Winnebago County Clerk's official November 3, 2026 referenda questions.
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Illinois nominated by plurality at the March 17 primary (no runoffs); unopposed nominees still print, and independent and new-party candidates who filed petitions by June 22 join the November 3 ballot once the State Board of Elections rules on objections, per the Board's certified candidate list.
Who is on the ballot in Winnebago County, Illinois on November 3, 2026?
Winnebago County sample ballot 2026: see where the forest preserve commissioner, county sheriff and board candidates stand on growth and public safety. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Illinois?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Illinois are listed on the Illinois election hub. Illinois election hub →
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Candidate roster last updated Sep 29, 2026 from official election sources.