Two Democrats will face off in the May 5 primary for Marion County sheriff: Kelvis Williams and Gregory Patrick. No Republican has filed for the seat, meaning the winner of the Democratic primary will likely become the next sheriff.
An independent or minor party candidate could appear on the general election ballot in November.
The winner will be replacing Sheriff Kerry Forestal, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. Forestal is running for the open Indiana Senate District 31.
The Marion County Sheriff oversees the security of government buildings and courts as well as the county jail and serving criminal warrants. The office faces two central issues heading into the election: jail overcrowding and the sheriff's office's relationship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The race also comes at a time when Republican lawmakers and state officials, including Gov. Mike Braun, have pushed to enforce law enforcement's cooperation with ICE.
Gregory Patrick has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement. Patrick began his career with the Indiana State Police in 1984. Over the years he has worked in Indiana and Florida. During his time in Indiana, Patrick worked in the Marion County Sheriff's Department where he currently is a Captain and oversees the Marion County Jail.
Kelvis Williams has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement. Williams started his career in public safety as a trooper with the Indiana State Police and rose ranks to become a counter-terrorism official. Williams started at the Marion County Sheriff's Office in 2009 and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Homeland Security Division. In the position he oversees security for county buildings and major events in Indianapolis.
WFYI contacted each campaign to ask why the candidate is running and what their priorities are. For candidates who did not respond, information was gathered from their campaign websites and social media. Candidate statements have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Gregory Patrick
Patty: Democrat
Occupation: Captain in the Marion County Sheriff's Office that oversees the county jail
Website: gregorypatrickforsheriff.org
Campaign message: "I'm running for Sheriff because I believe every person in Marion County deserves to feel safe in their home, their school, and their neighborhood," Patrick said on his campaign website. Patrick said he will make the office "more transparent, and our resources more effectively managed."
Top priorities: Patricks's top priorities include community policing, jail reform, crisis intervention and school safety. He said on his campaign website that he will push for transparency and fiscal responsibility. He wants to have a civilian review board to review actions taken by the sheriff.
Kelvis Williams
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Marion County Sheriff's executive officer
Website: kelviswilliams4sheriff.com
Campaign message: Williams said in a campaign video that he believes in "standing up for justice and treating everyone with dignity and respect." He began his career as a trooper with the Indiana State Police in 1978 and rose through every rank in the agency over 25 years, including overseeing counterterrorism preparedness. He joined the Marion County Sheriff's Office in 2009 and currently serves as the office's executive officer.
Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05
