Former Kane treasurer’s office employee switches party, announces plan to challenge ex-boss

Candida “Connie” Cain on Saturday declared her intent to seek the Democratic nomination in the March 17, 2026 primary for Kane County treasurer.

A Certified Public Account from Gilberts, Cain had worked for current Treasurer Chris Lauzen as director of financial operations from May 2023 until he fired her Nov. 22.

In an email, Lauzen, a Republican elected as treasurer in 2022, did not state if he planned to seek a second term. If Lauzen seeks another term, and Cain wins the Democratic nomination, the contest would pit Cain against her former boss in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.

A former Republican, Cain said she has now transitioned to the Democratic Party.

“I’m running in the Democratic Primary to offer Kane County a proven leader who combines financial know-how with a passion for service,” Cain stated in her announcement.

“Kane County has evolved over the years, embracing new priorities and diverse needs. I am changing with the county to serve its future better, while staying true to my commitment to integrity and community. I will work collaboratively and honestly across party lines to advance the interests of Kane County residents,” she added.

Cain won the GOP nomination for the 66th Illinois House District in the 2022 primary, but lost to incumbent Democratic Rep. Suzanne Ness. She also lost a bid to serve on the Algonquin-based Community Unit District District 300 school board in 2023

Regarding her party switch, Cain said the GOP is ineffective.

“You can’t win elections in 2025 with strategies from 1990,” she said.

After Lauzen fired her last year, Cain took the unusual step of lambasting him publicly in a county board finance committee meeting, saying he lacks basic computer skills, withholds information from the finance department and caused her “to suffer emotional distress” and “mental abuse.”

At the time, Lauzen dismissed her criticism as coming from a disgruntled former employee.