Former Kane County coroner Rob Russell announces bid for sheriff

Former Kane County coroner Rob Russell announced his intent to seek the Republican nomination for sheriff in the 2026 primary election, according to a news release.

Russell served three terms as coroner from 2012 to 2024. He lost his bid for a fourth term to Democrat Monica Silva.

Russell cited his dozen years as coroner as instrumental in boosting his positive name recognition throughout the county.

“I’m very proud of the work we did during my three terms as coroner,” Russell said in the release. “I was encouraged by Democrats, Republicans, and independents to succeed Sheriff (Ron) Hain.”

As coroner, Russell secured more than $2 million in federal funds to create a regional forensic lab in Kane County, according to the release.

Russell also advocated for and assisted with the design of a new coroner’s office and a state-of-the-art morgue facility, which now provides a dignified space when families come to identify their loved ones.

Expanding the forensic lab is one of the pillars of his plan for the sheriff’s office.

Russell’s law enforcement career began in 1993 as a deputy for the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office. His experience includes patrol, court security, community-oriented policing, and corrections, according to the release.

Russell is working as a police officer in Hampshire, where he lives with his wife, Susan.

This is Russell’s second bid for the GOP nomination for sheriff. In 2010, he lost the primary to Donald Kramer, who was defeated in the general election by incumbent Pat Perez.

Elburn Village Trustee Lou Santoyo also announced that he would seek the GOP nomination for sheriff.

Kane Undersheriff Amy Johnson, Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Andrew Schwab and retired Kane County Lt. Salvador Rodriguez have declared their intent to seek the Democratic nomination.