McHenry COUNTY BOARD
2026 Midterms Republican CANDIDATE Profiles
The Algonquin Township Republican Party (ATRP) mission is to support conservative values in McHenry, Illinois. Meet our dedicated team of candidates running for the McHenry County Board in 2026. Visit their websites, follow them on Facebook, and discover why they are committed to serving our community. Nine seats on the ballot in McHenry County — districts covering Algonquin Township include Districts 1, 2, and 3.
Disclaimer: Candidate profile information may be generated or summarized using AI tools, including ChatGPT, and is based on publicly available sources at the time of publication. Accuracy is not guaranteed, and readers should verify all information with the candidate or official sources.
McH BOARD DISTRICT 1
SOUTHEASTERN (Algonquin, Lake in the Hills area)
MCHENRY COUNTY
MATTHEW KUNKLE
(Incumbent Republican )
“A Strong Conservative small-business owner and longtime McHenry County resident.”
Why Running
Seeking reelection to continue serving the district with focus on responsible budgeting and community needs.
Experience
As a resident of Algonquin, he has prioritized fiscal responsibility, efficient county government, and local tax control. His key priorities include controlling property tax growth, supporting public safety, transparent budgeting, and minimizing excessive regulations that burden residents and local businesses.
Background
20+ year McHenry County resident. Experience in direct supervision, project management, contract negotiation, and commercial construction/renovations for high-end clients across multiple states (industrial, manufacturing, office).
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 4
CENTRAL (Crystal Lake area)
MCHENRY COUNTY
JOE GOTTEMOLLER
(Incumbent Republican )
“Personal Injury Attorney and 35 Year Resident of McHenry County.”
Why Running
Seeking re-election to continue serving.
Experience
Gottemoller brings experience as a county official with emphasis on fiscal discipline and local responsiveness.
Background
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Attorney - Assistant State's Attorney - 1982 to 1984
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Private Practice 1984 to present
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 6
NORTHEASTERN (McHenry, Johnsburg, Ringwood)
MCHENRY COUNTY
PAM ALTHOFF
(Incumbent Republican )
“40 Year Resident of McHenry County, FORMER IL State Senator, and Mayor of the City of McHenry”
Why Running
Seeking re-election to leverage experience for county governance.
Experience
Prioritizes property tax control, infrastructure improvements and community services.
Background
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Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University in 1975.
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Master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 1978.
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 7
NORTHERN (Harvard, Marengo, northern county)
MCHENRY COUNTY
BRIAN SAGER
(Republican Incumbent. Contested GOP Primary.)
“A 40+ year McHenry County resident, former Woodstock Mayor.”
Why Running
Seeking re-election to continue public service.
Experience
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40+ year resident.
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Former Woodstock City Councilman/Mayor
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U of IL Extension Advisor
Background
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Professor of Animal & Plant Sciences and Economics
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Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs
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Acting President of McHenry County College
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Dean, Vice President and Provost of Rock Valley College
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 8
NORTH/WESTERN (Harvard, Marengo)
MCHENRY COUNTY
MARTY MOHR
(Republican Challenger. Contested GOP Primary.)
“Strong Conservative.
Why Running
Mohr has stated his intent to bring a "proactive approach" to the board, dedicated to identifying and mitigating risks before they become larger issues for the county.
Experience
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McHenry resident since 2012
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VP Risk Management (national utility firm)
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Former volunteer firefighter (1990–2002, lieutenant/captain)
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Marengo Park Board President (2019–present)
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Marengo Planning/Zoning Chair
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Knights of Columbus
Background
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Precinct committeeperson.
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Secretary for the NorWest Townships Republican Committee.
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He also serves on the McHenry County Community Development and Housing Grant Commission.
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 3
SOUTH CENTRAL (parts of Crystal Lake, Lakewood)
MCHENRY COUNTY
ROBERT REINING
(Republican Challenger)
“A Strong conservative voice that will stand up for the people of McHenry County.”
Why Running
Seeking election to the McHenry County Board to bring a focus on cost-effective county operations, stronger accountability, and taxpayer protection. His campaign highlights the importance of efficient service delivery and responsible oversight of county government.
Experience
New Candidate.
Campaign Information
No public campaign contact currently available.
McH BOARD DISTRICT 5
EASTERN (Crystal Lake, Oakwood Hills)
MCHENRY COUNTY
TERRI GREENO
(Incumbent Republican )
“A Strong Conservative small-business owner with a passion for lowering spending and property taxes.”
Why Running
Seeking re-election to support economic development and community services.
Experience
Prioritizes property tax control, infrastructure improvements and community services.
Background
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Business owner of Express Employment Professionals (2003–present)
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BS in Education (Indiana Univ.)
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MBA in Finance/Accounting (Univ. of Illinois).
Greeno’s background in local business and county work shapes her focus on efficient county services, lower taxes, and community-centered governance.
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 7
CENTRAL (Woodstock, Bull Valley area)
MCHENRY COUNTY
JEFF SCHWARTZ
(Republican Challenger. Contested GOP Primary.)
“A Strong Conservative, longtime McHenry County resident, business owner, and former county board member.”
Why Running
Seeking re-election to bring business and local problem-solving experience to county governance.
Experience
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Served on the County Board 2020-2022.
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Was asked to run again, because of my previous track record. While on the Board, served on the:
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Northern Illinois Regional Planning Commission.
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Valley High Nursing Home Operating Board, Health
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Human Services Committee
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Planning and Development Committee
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Senior Services Grant Commission.
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I voted NO to tax increases and NO to excessive executive pay raises. I work for people of McHenry County!
Background
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Jeff lost his job in 2004, started his own company, Schwartz Performance, and grew it to the $5,000,000/yr business.
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Founder and owner of Schwartz Performance (a custom car company in the area) and Schwartz Motocross History Museum
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McHenry Township Precinct Committeeman
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 8
NORTH/WESTERN (Harvard, Marengo)
MCHENRY COUNTY
LARRY W. SMITH
(Republican Incumbent. Contested GOP Primary.)
“59-year McHenry resident. Self-employed business owner (30+ years) with a background as a real estate broker, property manager, and farm owner.”
Why Running
Seeking re-election to protect local values.
Experience
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59+ year McHenry resident.
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Self-employed business owner (30+ years); volunteer in youth sports.
Background
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Long-term County Board member.
Campaign Information
McH BOARD DISTRICT 9
FAR SOUTHWEST (Huntley)
MCHENRY COUNTY
NIKO KANAKARIS
(Republican. Open Seat.)
“Strong Conservative leader focused on accountability and fiscal responsibility.”
Why Running
Desire for "Conservative Leadership": Kanakaris has stated that District 9 needs a representative who is not a "Republican in name only" (RINO) and who does not vote with Democrats. He explicitly called for a change to ensure the board stays accountable to the people it serves.
Experience
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Served as a Huntley Village Trustee for 16 years (2007–2023).
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During his tenure as trustee, he noted the Interstate 90 interchange and the Route 47 widening as significant achievements for the community.
Background
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Kanakaris and his family own five eateries, including Niko’s Red Mill Tavern in Woodstock and Niko's Grill & Pub in Huntley.
Campaign Information