Press Release - LWVCC Candidate Forum for Champaign County Executive

February 13, 2026 ​

Urbana, IL – Voters of Champaign County have the opportunity to hear from the two Democratic Primary candidates running for County Executive, Sanford Hess and Michelle Jett, on Monday, February 16 at 6 p.m. on WILL AM 580. 
The Candidate Forum is made possible by the League of Women Voters of Champaign County (LWVCC) in partnership with Illinois Public Media (IPM). Co-sponsors are the NAACP Champaign County Branch and the News-Gazette. 
The pre-recorded forum was moderated by Arjun Thakkar, IPM Newsroom Senior Editor, and conducted on Feb. 10 in the IPM studios. The video recording will be available on the IPM and LWVCC YouTube channels.
LWVCC forum lead, Cathy Emanuel, urges the public to tune it to this hour-long forum. “The Champaign County Executive candidate forum offers voters unique insights into each candidate’s knowledge, skills, values, views, and visions for the future,” states Emanuel. “Included are their unique perspectives on whether the role of County Executive should be an appointed or elected position. This has real implications for our community. Voters will find this forum very helpful before going to the ballot box.”
To learn more about the candidates, voters can also go to the nonpartisan LWVCC Candidate Guide (votechampaign.org). 

The Primary Election is March 17. In-person early voting began February 5 at Bennett Administration Center, 102 E Main, Urbana. County-wide voting locations open on March 9. Vote by mail ballots need to be returned or postmarked no later than March 17. For more information go to the County Clerk’s website (champaigncountyclerkil.gov/.  

The League of Women Voters is a national, nonpartisan, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Voting membership in the League is open to people 16 years and older, of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

Contact: Cathy Emanuel
Email: CandidateForums.lwvcc@gmailcom
Mobile: 309-222-3170