Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair, Announces Run for Lake County Treasurer

WAUKEGAN, IL — Sandy Hart, Chair of the Lake County Board and longtime District 13 representative, today formally announced her candidacy for Lake County Treasurer in the upcoming November 2026 election. Hart, a Democrat who was first elected to the board in 2012, was elected by her colleagues to serve as Board Chair in 2018 and has been serving in this role since then.

“Ensuring fiscal responsibility, enhancing transparency, and strengthening services for working families have always been core to my public service. I’m running for Lake County Treasurer to expand that commitment to ensure the security of County funds, the integrity of the tax system, and the strong oversight of the operations,” Hart said.

During her tenure, Board Chair Sandy Hart has consistently advanced responsible budgeting, operational efficiencies, and modern governance tools. “No one brings more dedication or relentless drive to Lake County than Sandy Hart,” said Paras Parekh, County Board Member and Chair of Health and Community Services Committee. “As County Board Chair, she’s been a fierce advocate for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability — not in words, but in action. I’m genuinely excited to see her bring that same principled leadership and hands-on approach to the Treasurer’s Office.”

Sandy led the effort to stream all committee meetings online, increasing transparency and accountability. She eliminated the use of county-funded P-cards for county board members. She continues to prioritize and work collaboratively to eliminate or consolidate special districts to reduce unnecessary levels of government, and, most importantly, save taxpayer money.

Hart also championed key investments that directly improve our quality of life, including the Regional Operations and Communication facility, a collaboration bringing together first responder agencies and the Lake County Emergency Management Agency, to ensure a faster and coordinated response in emergencies. Lake County has increased investment in infrastructure, improving roadways, sidewalks and bike paths, and upgrading stormwater systems, helping to make Lake County one of the top ten counties in the United States for economic development.

Under her leadership, Lake County has expanded behavioral health support, increased funding for affordable housing, and established Ride Lake County—a countywide, low-cost transit service providing mobility for seniors and people with disabilities – the first in the state.

As Treasurer, Hart plans to apply her proven track record in fiscal oversight and operational excellence to the critical responsibilities of managing county investments, safeguarding public funds, and ensuring transparent financial reporting

Sandy has lived with her family in Lake County for over 25 years. She holds a BA from the Indiana University School of Business and an MBA from DePaul University.