Will County Voters Face Off Between Jones and Reilly for Sheriff Post

Will County residents will cast ballots on Tuesday to select a new sheriff, ending a twelve year period without a change in the office's top leadership. The contest pits Democratic Traffic Patrol Sergeant Patrick Jones against Republican Road Patrol Deputy Jim Reilly. Both candidates have served within the Will County Sheriff's Office, bringing distinct professional backgrounds to the race for the county's chief law enforcement officer.

Jones secured the Democratic nomination in March after defeating Undersheriff Dan Jungles. He received 59 percent of the primary vote compared to Jungles' 40 percent. This result followed a recommendation by three term Sheriff Mike Kelley, who had urged Democrats to support Jungles. The party's primary voters instead chose to move away from the current administration. Jones announced his initial intent to run in February 2025, positioning himself against Jungles early in the political calendar.

Reilly won the Republican nomination in March with minimal opposition. This is his third attempt to secure the sheriff's position. In the previous general election in November 2022, Reilly trailed incumbent Sheriff Mike Kelley in early unofficial counts by a margin of 289 votes. Reilly expressed optimism at the time, stating that he was excited to work hard and gain the trust of the people. He described the race as long and hard fought. Despite his confidence, Reilly ultimately lost the 2022 election after mail in and absentee ballots were tallied. In 2018, he lost the general election by 39,264 votes.

Jones cites 24 years of experience in the field, combining roles as a police officer and a corrections officer within the Sheriff's Office. He currently holds the rank of sergeant in the patrol division. In introductory materials, Jones stated that he believes the squad car has become a barrier to the community. He aims to build trust through transparency and increased interaction. Jones noted that he became a sergeant in 2019, a step he described as a turning point in his career. He emphasized the responsibility of leadership in protecting officers and ensuring they have the necessary tools and training.

Reilly has focused on name recognition and the performance of the current sheriff. He criticized Kelley for being a part time sheriff who is not fully engaged with the department or the communities. Reilly pointed out that Kelley has not publicly opposed House Bill 3653, a measure related to police reform. He argued that the county needs a full time sheriff who is active in daily operations. Reilly suggested that Kelley has lost the faith of the law enforcement community in Will County.

The upcoming vote comes in a state that typically leans Democratic. National polling data indicates that Democratic voters may have momentum due to frustration with the current presidential administration, citing high gasoline and food prices. Jones is running as the Democratic candidate in this environment. Reilly is the Republican choice. The final results will determine who leads the Sheriff's Office following the counting of all precincts.

The election takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters across Will County will choose between the two candidates. The outcome will determine the next leader of the sheriff's office, a role that has seen three terms under Mike Kelley. The new sheriff will take over duties including patrol operations, crime scene investigations, and crisis negotiations.