WMAY’s Patrick Pfingsten reports in his The Illinoize newsletter this morning that Sangamon County Recorder Frank Lesko has been approached by Republican leadership to challenge Senator Doris Turner in the 2026 election.
Lesko was elected as recorder last year by 31 votes over incumbent Democrat Josh Langfelder.
Earlier this year, voters approved a referendum to eliminate the recorder’s office next year. Turner is considered by many Republicans as the most vulnerable Democratic senator up for re-election next year.
Turner narrowly defeated Republican Representative Sandy Hamilton in 2022 in the most expensive legislative race in Illinois history.
Lesko did not return a message seeking comment. Republican Representative Mike Coffey says he’s not planning to seek the Senate next year and plans to run for re-election to the House.
