2026 General Election Candidates

Michelle Stiff, A Joliet resident, has deep roots in Will County and a long track record of public service in the region.  Elected to the Joliet Township high school board in 2019, she served as Board President, overseeing critical decisions on budgeting, equity, and operations. Under her leadership the district earned Moody’s “Aa3” and S&P “AA” ratings. 

As Director of Workforce Services Division of Will County, Michelle streamlined services, expanded outreach, built partnerships with businesses and labor, and achieved significant cost savings. 

As a candidate for Will County Clerk, Michelle highlights her commitment to preserving free, fair, and secure election processes, emphasizing that voting rights are the bedrock of democracy. She has pledged to resist any attempts to weaken election infrastructure by the current administration.

Website: https://michellestiff4countyclerk.com/

Will County has been my home for the last 26 years, and in 2001 I began my career with the Sheriff’s Office as a correctional officer. A year later, I joined the Emergency Response Team, where I learned to handle high-pressure situations with discipline and skill. My lifelong goal of becoming a police officer pushed me further, and in 2009 I graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy. Over the years, I have worked a variety of assignments, including midnight shifts in different areas of the county. After working as a patrol deputy for nine years, in 2018 I became a Crime Scene Investigator and completed several courses at Northwestern University. Each assignment gave me new skills, new challenges, and a deeper connection to the community I serve.

In 2012, I became a SWAT tactical operator, completing both basic and advanced SWAT training, as well as sniper. Today, I am honored to serve as an Assistant Team Leader on the Crisis Negotiation Team, where I’ve seen firsthand how the power of words can prevent tragedy and save lives.

I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2019 which marked a turning point in my career. As a leader, I have overseen teams on some of the most difficult and dangerous calls this office has faced. Leadership is not just about command; it is about protecting those who serve under you, ensuring they have the tools, training, and support they need to succeed, and making sure they return home safely to their families. I take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness.

Throughout my career, I’ve faced danger and adversity, but also moments of pride. I received the Life Saving Award in 2007 for saving a choking person, and again in 2009 for pulling a man from a burning vehicle. In 2019, after surviving an ambush by gunfire while protecting fellow deputies, I was awarded the Meritorious Service Award. I have also been recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for 20 years of dedication to this office.

I am running for Sheriff because I believe leadership requires more than wearing a badge—it requires being active, present, and transparent with the community. Too often, the squad cars we drive have become barriers between officers and the public. As Sheriff, I want to break down those barriers by being visible at community events, listening to residents, and ensuring that every decision I make is rooted in truth and transparency.

My priorities include creating trade programs within the jail to reduce recidivism, funded through the inmate welfare fund at no cost to taxpayers. I also want to establish a police and correctional academy that can generate revenue and become a model for other counties. For my fellow officers, I will ensure they have the tools, training, and competitive benefits needed to do their jobs effectively. I plan to launch a neighborhood policing unit that will focus on crime trends like burglaries, shootings, robberies, and property damage—because protecting our neighborhoods must always be a top priority.

I have spent my entire career serving the people of Will County, and I am ready to lead our Sheriff’s Office into a future that is safer, more transparent, and more connected to the community we serve. My name is Patrick Jones, and I humbly ask for your support.

Website: https://www.patrickjonesforsheriff.com/

Dr. Theresa Rouse is in her tenth year as Superintendent of Schools for Joliet Public Schools District 86 in Joliet, Illinois. She has been a Superintendent for a total of sixteen years and has thirteen years of experience working in the County Office of Education system in California. She was also a classroom teacher for ten years in three states and one foreign country.

Dr. Rouse holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She is also a member of several state and national education organizations. These include the following: Association of California School Administrators (ACSA); Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA); Suburban Superintendents Association; AASA; The Mid-American Association of School Superintendents; and the National Superintendents Roundtable.

Locally, Dr. Rouse serves as the Chair of the Spanish Community Center Board, Chair of the NAMI of Will and Grundy County Advisory Board, Vice Chair of the Community Foundation of Will County Board, a director on the Joliet Grade Schools Foundation for Education Excellence, a member of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, a member of the Joliet Rotary Club, a member of the Joliet Chapter of the National Hook-up of Black Women, a member of the Joliet Chapter of the NAACP, a member of the Zonta Club of Joliet, and a member of the Visitation and Aid Society of Joliet.

Website: https://www.rouse4roe.com/

Tim was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois–one of five children to parents: Robert E. Brophy, Jr. – Joliet Firefighter, and mother, Beverly A. Brophy, RN. He graduated from St. Raymond’s Cathedral school and Joliet Catholic High School. Tim has three adult children: Daniel, Taylar, and Braden.

Brophy earned his B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, completing double major coursework in Business Administration & Spanish. He was a faculty-selected Outstanding Senior. He completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1992 from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Brophy began his professional career in local retail banking in Will County. Later, along with partners, he opened a residential mortgage company and real estate office. He is currently an Illinois licensed Real Estate Managing Broker.

Tim’s community service work includes four terms (1995-2011) as an elected Joliet City Councilman. He is a founding board member of the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

Tim presently serves as: Board Secretary for the Will-Grundy Habitat for Humanity; Executive Director of the Irish American Society of County Will; Board Chairman of the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority; and Past-President of the Rotary Club of Joliet. He is a member of The Illinois County Treasurer’s Association, and a member of the Cathedral of St. Raymond’s Parish, Joliet, Illinois.

Website: https://www.votetimbrophy.com/

Bob Howard is a small farmer and third generation Carpenter. He is retiring this year after spending 40+ years as a member of the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council. He grew up in rural Beecher and attended and graduated from the Beecher school system. Bob lost his first wife to cancer and she was survived by three daughters and one son along with Dexter, the family dog. Bob reconnected with a childhood friend four years ago at a local parade. Bob and Laurie were married three years ago, bringing Bear and Athena- a brother and sister for Dexter. Bob is a cancer survivor who received a bone donor transplant from a 20-year Irish lady who has invigorated and healed his body.

Bob spent six years on the County Board where he championed for fiscally responsible government and eight years as a Washington Township supervisor where he helped to expand senior ride services. As a County Board member, he was Chair of the Legislative Committee and served on the Transportation Committee for the National Association of County Organizations (NACO).

Website: https://www.bobforwillcounty.com/

Sheri is a trusted, people-first leader who stands for practical solutions, fair government and a stronger Will County. She’s ready to bring honest, accountable leadership to the County Board and to fight for the values our communities deserve.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sheri-Boniecki-Cooling-for-Will-County-Board/61578406707739/

Karen Johnson has been a Will County resident for 37 years, the last 33 years in unincorporated Lockport, growing up in Oak Lawn and moving further south and west before settling into all that Will County has to offer.  She celebrated 30 years with her employer last year as a paralegal and shortly thereafter retired from her corporate job.  Karen dedicated her life to service in 1991 and has been exploring the myriad ways of doing this since then.

She has been honing her listening, organizational. leadership and communication skills through several volunteer positions at educational institutions and nonprofits over the past 35 years, including national peacebuilding and citizen advocacy organizations, CASA of Will County, a residential treatment center for teens and more.  She has an MA in organizational leadership from Lewis University, a BA from DePaul University in Human Resources Management, a Paralegal certificate from Roosevelt University and graduate level nonprofit management courses from Northpark University.  She has had training in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, restorative justice, meditation, convergent facilitation, mediation using nonviolent communication techniques and communication and leadership training, including 10+ years with Chicagoland Toastmasters International, where she achieved the highest personal level of success and was chosen Division Governor of the year from among her peers.  She has led workshops at conferences and bookstores on meditation and free writing as tools for healing and building peace and prosperity.  She was a foster parent to three teenagers over five years, after learning of the shortage of foster homes for teens, before running for her first elected position.

Karen was elected as the Lockport Township Collector in 2017, was appointed to fill a Trustee vacancy in 2020 and was re-elected to this position in 2021 and 2025.  She has enjoyed meeting so many residents in different situations and learning about and participating in enhancing and streamlining services for township residents while continuing to discuss and reduce the tax levy in a responsible way each year.

Karen sees room for improvement at all levels of government for elected officials to put the people we serve first in our political considerations and discourse. She looks forward to hearing from more people in Will County Board District 5 and working with county, state, federal and other local officials to best serve the interests and wellbeing of all Will County residents and businesses, especially during these times of great change in our country and world.

She has five nieces and nine great nieces and nephews and resides with two Lab mix dogs, one resembling a Great Dane, the other resembling a Basset Hound and enjoys living the “Adventures of Super Puppy and Underdog with them.

Website: https://www.countyboard5.com/karen-johnsonnew/

Sherry retired from the Will County Sheriff’s Department after 35 years of service, building a career defined by responsibility, fairness, and an enduring commitment to working people. She began as a Dispatcher and later served as a Classification Specialist at the Will County Jail, where she earned a reputation as a dedicated public servant, trusted leader, and advocate for working people.

Deeply involved in her union, AFSCME Local 1028, Sherry made history as the union’s first female President and served in that role for more than a decade. She also served as Union Steward, Trustee, and Vice President. Throughout her union leadership, she was a strong advocate for workers’ rights, dignity, fair treatment, and economic security. She continues that commitment today as a member of the AFSCME Subchapter 73 Executive Board, and she brings the same leadership to her work on behalf of Will County residents.

After retiring, Sherry continued her public service as a Lockport Township Precinct Committeeperson and later as Lockport Township Collector, remaining focused on responsive government, community accountability, and the needs of working families.

In November 2022, Sherry was elected to the Will County Board. During her first term, she served as Democratic Whip, and in 2024, she was elected Democratic Leader. In that role, she initiated the development of the County Board’s first strategic plan and promotes policies that support responsible development, expand economic opportunity, protect the environment, and preserve the quality of life for the residents.

As a lifelong Will County resident, Sherry has seen firsthand how rapid growth can affect local communities. She is focused on maintaining strong infrastructure, supporting responsible economic growth, addressing the housing shortage, and building strong communities.

She believes leadership begins with listening, is strengthened through collaboration, and must always put people first.

Website: https://www.countyboard5.com/sherry-williams/

Judge Margaret “Peggy” O’Connell is the Democratic nominee for the 3rd Appellate Court, which encompasses Will County and six neighboring counties. She currently serves as Presiding Judge of the Felony Division in DuPage County, where she oversees six felony courtrooms, the first appearance courtroom, and drug court. Since her election to the bench in 2020, Peggy has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Peggy grew up in the south suburbs and graduated from Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox. Her roots in the Will County community have shaped her values and her approach to public service.

Before taking the bench, Peggy built a distinguished legal career spanning public service and private practice. She served as a DuPage County State’s Attorney and as a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, where she co-authored an amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court and served as the Attorney General’s delegate on matters involving the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors and persons with disabilities. In private practice, she handled family law, criminal defense, and juvenile matters, and served as a court-certified Guardian ad Litem in numerous counties.

In 2020, Judge O’Connell made history as the first woman and the first Democrat elected directly from private practice to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in DuPage County. She was recently appointed as an alternate member of the Illinois Courts Commission and is now running to bring her experience, integrity, and dedication to the 3rd Appellate Court.

Judge Margaret “Peggy” O’Connell is ready to serve us all on the Appellate Court. Please vote for Judge O’Connell on November 3rd.

Website: https://www.judgeoconnell.com/