Cook County sheriff candidates weigh in on issues ahead of election

As part of WTIP’s 2026 election coverage, WTIP hosted a live candidate forum on Tuesday, Sept. 29, featuring the two candidates running for the Cook County sheriff’s race.

The Nov. 3 general election will include a contested race for Cook County Sheriff between Ben Hallberg and Ty Backlund, both of whom currently work in the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Backlund is a deputy, and Hallberg has served as Cook County’s interim sheriff since May, following the resignation and retirement of Pat Eliasen.

Topics discussed during the one-hour live forum moderated by WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins included public safety, staffing challenges within the Sheriff’s Office, emergency response, the role of local law enforcement amid federal agency operations, the use of law enforcement technology, and other issues facing Cook County. Audio below.

Candidates for Cook County Sheriff Ben Hallberg and Ty Backlund | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Kalli Hawkins September 30, 2026