Salvador Rodriguez: 2026 candidate for Kane County Sheriff

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Kane County Sheriff

City: Sugar Grove

Age: 62

Occupation: Police officer

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

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

I’m running for Kane County Sheriff because Kane County deserves experienced, accountable leadership rooted in proven community involvement. After more than 30 years in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand what works — and what doesn’t — when it comes to public safety, trust, and responsible leadership.

What motivates me most is restoring trust and accountability in the sheriff’s office while refocusing on the communities we are primarily responsible for serving, especially unincorporated Kane County. Public safety is strongest when it is fair, transparent, and built on relationships, not fear or politics.

I’m running to lead an office that treats everyone with dignity and respect, uses taxpayer dollars responsibly, supports its employees, and truly serves all of Kane County — from the community, for the community

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

The relationship has been strained for far too long. A lack of transparency and fiscal responsibility has hurt the sheriff’s office and undermined trust. As sheriff, I will change that by leading with professionalism, respect, and a clear focus on serving the community — not playing politics.

The sheriff and the county board share a responsibility to ensure public safety, fiscal responsibility, and transparency for the residents of Kane County. I will work to strengthen that relationship through open communication, regular briefings, and by listening to the Board’s concerns and priorities. Disagreements should be handled directly and professionally, not through the media.

By rebuilding trust and working together with a shared commitment to accountability and the public good, we can ensure the sheriff’s office operates effectively while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

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?

Currently, the sheriff’s office lacks transparency with both the media and the community it is responsible for protecting — and that is unacceptable. As sheriff, I will make timely, accurate, and consistent communication a core public safety function. Transparency builds trust, which is why regular town hall-style meetings will be standard practice under my administration.

I will designate a clear point person and establish a communication plan that ensures information is accessible to everyone. My office will proactively share crime data and respond promptly to media requests so residents always have current, reliable information.

In addition, I will refocus the sheriff’s office on its primary responsibility — patrolling unincorporated Kane County — by increasing deputy visibility to deter crime, reduce response times, and strengthen relationships with the community. When the public is informed, they are safer, more engaged, and more confident in their sheriff’s office.

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

The number of deputies patrolling unincorporated Kane County today is the same as when I first started in 1995 — even though the unincorporated population has grown significantly since then. That is unacceptable. As sheriff, I will redirect patrol deputies to focus primarily on unincorporated Kane County. Incorporated cities have their own police departments to protect their communities, and the sheriff’s office must do the same for the areas it is sworn to serve.

I will prioritize establishing substations — especially in western Kane County — in locations such as Lily Lake, Burlington, Hampshire, Big Rock. These substations will allow deputies to work closer to the communities they patrol, increasing visibility, reducing response times, deterring crime, and strengthening relationships with residents. They will also make it more convenient for deputies to support local businesses, whether fueling squad cars or stopping at local restaurants during meal breaks.

In addition, I will review current assignments to determine whether deputies in nonessential or nonviable positions can be reassigned to patrol duties.

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

I bring more than 30 years of law-enforcement experience, including nearly 10 years in supervisory leadership, preparing me to lead the Kane County Sheriff’s Office on day one. I have served at every level of the organization — from community policing and patrol to investigations and supervision — giving me firsthand experience in operations, accountability, training, and leadership.

I hold a master’s degree and served as an adjunct professor at Aurora University, bringing an education- and training-focused approach to leadership. I also have a strong record of responsible budgeting, personnel management, and building trust through community engagement.

My experience, education, and deep roots in Kane County uniquely qualify me to serve as sheriff and lead an office that is accountable, professional, and truly from the community, for the community.