2026 IPM News Forum with Champaign County Executive candidates
L-R: IPM Sr. Editor Arjun Thakkar, Champaign County Executive candidates Michelle Jett and Sanford Hess at the Illinois Public Media studios on February 10, 2026. Reginald Hardwick/IPM News
URBANA – The two Democrats running for Champaign County Executive shared their views on data centers, federal immigration enforcement and whether the position of county executive should be appointed or elected, at a candidate forum hosted by IPM News.
Michelle Jett and Sanford Hess are competing in the Democratic primary on March 17.
Jett has over a decade of experience in government, including state politics and local public administration, most recently as a director of administration for more than six years in the County Executive’s office.
Hess has worked with local government administration for over 30 years, including as a government consultant, City of Urbana IT director as well as member of the Mayor’s cabinet and a division manager.
With no Republican in the race, the winner is expected to take the office of County Executive, replacing incumbent Steve Summers.
The forum, recorded on Feb. 10, was hosted in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Champaign County and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Champaign County. The conversation was moderated by IPM News Senior Editor Arjun Thakkar.
