Sean T. Noonan: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Sheriff

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: DuPage County Sheriff

City: Elmhurst

Age: 52

Occupation: Police Officer for the City of Oakbrook Terrace

Previous offices held: DuPage County Board District 2 (2012-2020)

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running for the Office of DuPage County Sheriff to improve the quality of life and safety for the people who live, work and visit DuPage County. I want to help shape the future of law enforcement in DuPage County by strengthening the working relationships with our municipal partners, recruiting and retaining (hiring the best, keeping the best), and sharing my leadership abilities to motivate and mentor current and future deputies. Changes are desperately needed, starting at the top.

The highest payout in the history of DuPage County occurred when a female prisoner died in their custody costing taxpayers $11 million. A male corrections deputy sexually assaulted a female prisoner and was charged 10 felony counts in 2025. The largest mass shooting in the history of DuPage County occurred on June 18, 2023, where 23 people were shot and one person was killed. Neither the sheriff nor the undersheriff provided a press conference regarding this incident.

How would you describe the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the county board? What steps would you take to improve that relationship?

In my opinion, the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the county board is strained due to a lack of cooperation and communication. The current sheriff is often absent when discussing important matters and this is a negative reflection on that office. I pledge to be a working sheriff who is highly visible and accessible and will work with current and future board members.

As a former county board member for 8 years, I understand what the board members’ expectations are from the sheriff’s office. I also served 8 years on the judicial and public safety committee while on the county board. Communication is critical between both the sheriff’s office and the county board.

Regardless of party affiliation, once in office we have an obligation to do the business of the people. We can agree to disagree, but we need to work together. I worked alongside some of the current board members.

How would you describe the sheriff’s office's reputation when it comes to dealing with the media and providing public information about crime in unincorporated areas? How would that change if you are elected?

Initially, the current sheriff proposed welcoming and embracing the media upon taking office, but this did not happen. Without ever compromising any case or incident, I feel the sheriff’s office has an obligation to provide public information about crimes within their respective jurisdiction.

Transparency is important if you want to improve community-police relationships while building trust. I pledge to share information, whether it be direct communication or by providing notifications via social media. I will welcome any and all ideas to improve communication between the media and sheriff’s office.

Are there enough deputies on the street, and are they properly deployed? What changes would you make?

Shortages with staff is probably the second most important matter facing the sheriff’s office. If you don’t have the staff, you can’t provide the services. Response times are delayed when seconds and minutes matter. Deputies become burned out, can’t take time off and are less productive. It’s hard to motivate any employee when they are fatigued.

Recently, three deputies were seriously injured in the courthouse when a subject, who was issued a court order by a judge, became physical and three deputies were transported to the hospital. There is normally one deputy assigned to a courtroom, but because of staffing shortages, one deputy oversees two courtrooms. This is a safety concern not only for the deputies, but the public and judges.

If there are shortages in the jail, this can pose a danger not only for the deputies, but the inmates as well. The inmates are our responsibility while in custody. I will work hard to recruit and retain. “Hire the best, keep the best.”

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

I feel I am the best person to serve in this role because I’ve been a resident of DuPage County for over 50 years, raised my family here. I have over 23 years of law enforcement experience, held assignments of Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Detective, Officer in Charge and Sergeant including several specialties. I received a B.A. in Criminal Social Justice and an M.S. in Public Safety Administration.

What makes me unique is I’m a former DuPage County Board Member (8 years) and I oversaw and approved the sheriff’s budget 8 times. I have the most balanced experience and I’m highly qualified and motivated to lead. The sheriff’s office is not just another elected position. It is a responsibility to protect, to lead and to serve with integrity. A sheriff must not only enforce the law, but also embody fairness, accountability and trust. That is the type of leadership I intend to bring to this office.