Sam Cahnman (Sangamon County Board District 18, Illinois, candidate 2026)
Sam Cahnman (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Sangamon County Board District 18 in Illinois. Cahnman was on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026.[source]
[1]Biography
Ballotpedia did not receive biographical information for this candidate.
Elections
Democratic primary
Democratic primary for Sangamon County Board District 18
Sam Cahnman (D) and Miguel M. Valente (D) ran in the Democratic primary for Sangamon County Board District 18 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Sam Cahnman | ||
 | Miguel M. Valente  | |
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Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Cahnman in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Sam Cahnman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
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Campaign website
Cahnman's campaign website stated the following:
THE RECORD
What Sam has fought for —
and what he'll keep fighting for.
Sam doesn't just talk about issues. He introduces resolutions, forces votes, and holds the Republican majority accountable — even when they don't want to be.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Voter Recall Rights
After the negligent hiring of the deputy who killed Sonya Massey, Sam led the fight to give voters the power to recall the Sheriff and other county officials. Republicans blocked it every time. Sam pushed the issue to the Illinois Senate, which passed SB 1954 allowing a Sangamon County recall referendum. He's not giving up until voters have this right.
TRANSPARENCY
Open Government
Sam pushed to broadcast County Board and committee meetings on cable TV and the internet — because taxpayers deserve to see what their elected officials are doing with their money. Government decisions shouldn't happen behind closed doors.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Eliminating Waste
Sam led the effort to eliminate the County Recorder's office and merge its duties with the County Clerk — saving taxpayers real money. Voters approved it in April 2025. That's what streamlining government looks like.
MENTAL HEALTH
Countywide Mental Health Board
Sam supported establishing a countywide Mental Health Board, now heading to voters on the March 2026 ballot. Sangamon County needs dedicated, funded mental health services — not just promises.
PROTECTING TAXPAYERS
Opposing Home Rule
Sam's opponent supports making Sangamon County a "home rule" county — which would let the Republican-dominated County Board raise your taxes without a voter referendum. Sam believes you should always have a vote before your taxes go up.
LABOR & WORKERS
Standing with Working Families
Prevailing wage on county projects. Public employee bargaining rights. Safe staffing. Union job creation. Sam is laser-focused on the labor and community issues that matter — not distractions.
— Sam Cahnman's campaign website (March 13, 2026)
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate Sangamon County Board District 18 |
Footnotes
