McHenry County Department Candidates
McHenry County, Illinois Government Leadership. Learn about the GOP Candidates for the Offices:
-
COUNTY CLERK - Manages public records, oversees, and maintains vital statistics.
-
COUNTY TREASURER - Responsible for collecting taxes, managing county funds, and overseeing investments.
-
COUNTY SHERIFF - Enforces laws, maintains public safety, and oversees the county jail.
-
REGIONAL SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT - Provides leadership to school districts, oversees educational programs, and ensures compliance with state regulations.
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.
Joe Tirio
McHenry County Clerk
(County Clerk & Recorder (the offices merged; he oversees elections, records, and candidate services)
(Conservative Republican, Incumbent, Contested in the 11/3/26 General Election)
"Frames his work through a lens of constitutional conservative principles and public engagement."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-
First elected County Clerk in 2018 and Recorder in 2016; he helped oversee the successful merger of the Clerk and Recorder offices, streamlining services.
-
Conducted a hand-counted ballot audit in 2022, touted locally as a first in the county to build election trust.
-
Actively promoted tools like the Property Fraud Alert to protect residents from fraudulent filings, and has co-hosted county public workshops on property tax and fraud issues with Treasurer’s office.
WHY RUNNING
-
Continue service to the people of McHenry County
-
Further strengthen the functions of the Clerk/Recorder’s office
KEY PRIORITIES
-
Maintain and improve election integrity processes and voter services.
-
Continue transparency and public access to county records.
-
Enhance office operations toward efficiency and competency.
Donna Kurtz
McHenry County Treasurer
(Conservative Republican, Incumbent, Contested in the 11/3/26 General Election))
"Protecting taxpayers’ dollars and enhancing financial stewardship within county government."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-
Redesigned the county tax bill format to improve transparency for taxpayers.
-
Increased funds under investment and significantly boosted investment returns, generating additional revenue for county operations.
-
Transferred funds from her office to the county general fund, assisting with levy reduction efforts.
-
Expanded public outreach via property tax workshops and taxpayer education events.
-
Brought over three decades of finance, governance, and management experience — including prior service as a County Board member and College Trustee — to the Treasurer’s role.
WHY RUNNING
-
Seeks reelection in 2026 to continue managing the county’s fiscal responsibilities.
-
Campaign emphasizes protecting taxpayers’ dollars and enhancing financial stewardship within county government.
KEY PRIORITIES
-
Educating residents about property tax processes, exemptions, and relief programs.
-
Ensuring responsible investment and management of county funds.
-
Streamlining and modernizing Treasurer’s office operations.
Robb Tadelman
McHenry County Sheriff
(Conservative Republican, Incumbent)
"Highlighting the importance of continuity, community trust, and leadership that is ready on day one."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-
Over 20 years of law enforcement experience in McHenry County, rising through the ranks from Patrol Deputy to Sheriff
-
Served in multiple leadership roles including Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief of Operations, Chief of Operations, Undersheriff, and Sheriff
-
Graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command
-
FBI-certified SWAT/Sniper; former SWAT team member and Field Training Officer
-
Led investigative, training, recruitment, and operational divisions within the Sheriff’s Office
-
Successfully assumed leadership as Sheriff in 2022, ensuring a smooth transition and continued stability
-
Active in community service organizations and local youth programs.
WHY RUNNING
-
Continue leading the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office with experienced, steady leadership.
-
Protecting families, keeping McHenry County safe, and ensuring the Sheriff’s Office remains professional, well-trained, and accountable to the public.
KEY PRIORITIES
-
Maintaining public safety and law-and-order throughout McHenry County
-
Strengthening community engagement and transparency
-
Enhancing officer training, including responses to mental health–related calls
-
Supporting jail programming, work alternatives, and public safety reforms
-
Defending constitutional rights while enforcing the law fairly and professionally
Diana Hartmann
McHenry County Regional Superintendent of Schools
(Conservative Republican, Incumbent)
"Protecting taxpayers’ dollars and enhancing financial stewardship within county government."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
-
Appointed and then elected Regional Superintendent following organizational challenges in the office; helped stabilize and strengthen the Regional Office of Education, including improving its public presence and services.
-
Has worked on partnerships and programs to provide tuition funding information, professional development, and community engagement with education stakeholders.
-
Long career in education since 1999, including teaching, administration, and mentoring roles — bringing depth of experience to the office.
WHY RUNNING
-
To continue leadership role in education administration for McHenry County.
-
Focus on supporting educators, improving services to school districts, and advocating for local educational needs in Springfield and beyond.
KEY PRIORITIES
-
Develop and expand professional development opportunities for educators.
-
Address staffing shortages for teachers, substitutes, and paraprofessionals.
-
Increase grant seeking and resources for county school districts.
