Candidates have started filing petitions to indicate their plan to run in the March 17, 2026 Illinois Primary Election. It was a busy day Monday at the Vermilion County Clerk’s Office where petitions are being filed through next Monday (November 3, 2025).
There are two candidates who have filed to run on the Republican ticket for Vermilion County Sheriff. Current sheriff Pat Hartshorn decided not to seek another term. His son, Sheriff’s Captain Michael Hartshorn and John Thompson are both seeking the position.
Michael Hartshorn is currently the Chief Investigator on the sheriff’s department, and Thompson is Director of the Vermilion County 9-1-1 Center. He retired from the Danville Police Department with the rank of Commander.
Another Primary Election battle will be in the race for Vermilion County Treasurer. Current Treasurer, Darren Duncan is being challenged by Jason Whaling. Both are Republicans.
Other candidates who filed petitions Monday to get their name on the Primary Election ballot include:
- Robyn Heffern, Republican incumbent Vermilion County Clerk
- Aaron Hird, Republican incumbent Vermilion County Regional Superintendent of Schools
- Nate Byram, Republican incumbent Supervisor of Assessments
- Larry Baughn, Jr., who is seeking re-election in County Board District 1
- Terry Prillaman, a Republican, who is also seeking election to the County Board in District 1
- Eric Luttrell, a Republican running for the County Board in District 2
- Kevin Bodine, Republican running in County Board District 3
- Vic McFadden, Republican running in County Board District 4
- Pastor Phil Jackson has filed seeking re-election to the County Board in District 5
- Tara Auter, a Danville Republican, has filed for a two-year unexpired term in Vermilion County Board District 5.
- Chris LaMar, a Republican, filed petitions Monday to run in County Board District 7.
- Democrat Mickensy Ellis-White is also running for election in County Board District 7.
- And Steve Miller is also seeking re-election on the County Board. He is the current chairman of the board.
Candidates also started filing petitions Monday to serve as Precinct Committeepersons. The March Primary Election will decide who will win those slots. The winners of other contested races on the March Primary ballot will face-off in the November 3, 2026 General Election.
