A proven fighter for accountability, transparency, and working families on your County Board.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 is a lifelong Democrat who has represented Springfield's north side neighborhoods for over two decades — first on the County Board starting in 2002, then as Ward 5 Alderman, and now back on the County Board since 2022.
When Sam was Alderman, the State Journal-Register rated him one of the top two most effective members on the Council. He brings that same energy to the County Board — introducing resolutions, forcing recorded votes, and holding the Republican supermajority accountable on issues from recall rights to government transparency.
As an attorney, Sam knows how to read the law, build an argument, and fight for what's right — even when the odds are stacked against him. When the County Board tried to block a recall referendum on procedural technicalities, Sam took the fight to the Illinois Senate and won.
District 18 covers the northeastern part of Springfield — a community Sam knows door by door. When he knocked on doors in 2022, half the time he didn't have to introduce himself. They already knew who he was.
This is a Democratic primary. The differences matter.
| Sam Cahnman | Miguel Valente |
|---|---|
| ✓ Lifelong Democrat — never voted Republican | ✗ Voted in the Republican primary in 2022 |
| ✓ 20+ years representing District 18 neighborhoods | ✗ Moved to Sangamon County in 2022 |
| ✓ Led the recall fight after Sonya Massey's killing | ✗ No record on the issue |
| ✓ Opposes home rule — protects your right to vote on tax increases | ✗ Supports home rule — letting the GOP board raise taxes without a referendum |
| ✓ Endorsed by Sonya Massey's father | |
| ✓ Led effort to eliminate County Recorder's office — voters approved it | ✗ No record of fiscal reform |
Illinois Times profiles the District 18 Democratic primary race — Sam's record on recall, transparency, and tax protection vs. his opponent's Republican primary vote and home rule proposal.
Illinois TimesThe Illinois Senate passed SB 1954, allowing Sangamon County to present a recall referendum to voters — directly resulting from Sam's persistent fight on the County Board.
Capitol News IllinoisSam and Tony DelGiorno successfully pushed to put the question before voters — streamlining county government and saving taxpayer dollars.
WAND-TVOver 200 people packed the County Board meeting supporting Sam's recall proposal. Republicans voted it down 6-20 on party lines — but Sam kept fighting.
Illinois TimesDemocratic Primary — Sangamon County Board, District 18. Early voting is now open.
Check Your Voter InfoFill in the oval for Sam Cahnman and return your ballot. Under federal law, the Post Office must deliver it — even with no postage.
Vote early at the Sangamon County Clerk's Office, 200 S. 9th Street, Springfield. Check with the Clerk for current hours.
Vote at your regular polling place on Primary Election Day. Find your polling place at the County Clerk's website.
Important: The Post Office no longer guarantees same-day postmarking. To be safe, drop your mail ballot in the County drop box on Monroe Street, or take it to the Post Office and ask the clerk to postmark it in front of you.
915 S. 2nd St.
Springfield, IL 62704
Sam's campaign runs on people power. Here's how you can help:
Call or email Sam to get started.
I Want to Help