I’m Sanford Hess
I’m running for County Executive of Champaign, Illinois in 2026.
Why I am right for this role:
Experience - public service is my chosen career; I have the skills for this job.
Collaboration – I have a history of working well with our local governments.
Commitment - this is my adopted community and I love it here.
About Sanford
Sanford has more than 30 years of experience working with local government administration.
10 years as the head of IT for the City of Urbana (2013 - 2024)
22 years as a consultant on government finance/payroll operations. (It’s what he still does for a living: https://www.sanfordhess.com/)
Sanford loves living in Champaign County - and wants to contribute his skills and experience working from the inside to improve local government to help our community.
What does the County Executive do?
This is the most common question people ask!
Champaign is one of only two Counties in Illinois that elects this position. Most Counties just hire an Administrator.
What does Sanford want to do in the office?
Sanford has goals to improve County operations. Click here to read more about each.
Focus on transparency, efficiency, and execution in the County Executive’s office.
A reset of relationships with other elected officials.
More effort on Economic Development
Provide Shared Services across the County
Eliminate the County Executive as an elected office (!)
Sanford Hess for a Better Champaign County
Ready to Help?
You can help in ways both large and small!
Donate money - here is our campaign budget so you can see how your donation will be used.
Host a Yard Sign in your yard. It’s a critical way to reach voters.
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