Who is running for Cook County Sheriff in 2026?

Thomas J. Dart (Democrat) and Brad Sandefur (Libertarian).

Who is the incumbent?

Thomas J. Dart currently holds this office.

Who should I vote for in the Cook County Sheriff race?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.

When is the election?

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.

Cook County Sheriff

2 candidates · General election, November 3, 2026

What this office does

The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.

Immigration enforcement (ICE 287(g))

ICE's list of 287(g) participating agencies shows no agreement for Cook County's sheriff's office.

Under 287(g), ICE trains and authorizes local officers to carry out some federal immigration duties. From ICE's list of participating agencies, as of October 28, 2026. Whether to keep, change or end an agreement is up to the sheriff.

Candidates

Thomas J. DartIncumbent

Democrat · Cook County Sheriff; attorney · $259K raised (state filings)

Moderately left · from the giving patterns of their campaign donors (DIME campaign-finance score, Stanford)

Brad Sandefur

Libertarian · Cook County Sheriff's Office supervisor (shift commander) · $7,967 raised (state filings)

Moderately right · AI estimate from their own website (70% confidence)

Filled dots are published academic scores; hollow dots are AI estimates from the candidate's own public record. How placements work.

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Also on Cook County ballots

All Cook County races and measures →

Quick answers

Who is running for Cook County Sheriff in 2026?: Thomas J. Dart (Democrat) and Brad Sandefur (Libertarian).
Who is the incumbent?: Thomas J. Dart currently holds this office.
What does this office do?: The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.
Who should I vote for in the Cook County Sheriff race?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.
When is the election?: The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Cook County ballot.

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