Marion County voters Tuesday chose nominees for sheriff, clerk and prosecutor, setting up November matchups for three of the county's most prominent offices.
Sheriff
The sheriff's primary race was the most consequential of Tuesday's contests, with only two candidates — both Democrats — competing.
Kelvis Williams defeated Gregory Patrick with nearly 55% of the vote, according to preliminary results.
Unless a third party candidate registers to run in the general election, Williams will be the next Marion County sheriff.
Sheriff Kerry Forestal is barred from seeking reelection due to term limits. Forestal is running for the state office.
Both candidates faced scrutiny in the week leading up to the primary. Patrick responded to WFYI’s reporting on his campaign finance violations in his 2004 campaign for Okaloosa County Sheriff in Florida. Williams apologized for sending misleading campaign mailers that falsely implied he had the endorsement of the local party.
The 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.
Clerk
Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell held onto her seat in Tuesday night's primary despite two challengers in the Democratic primary. Bell was first elected as the county clerk in 2022.
Deputy prosecuting attorney Karla López Owens ran against Bell and said her current job gave her a background in the court system and she ran to increase voter turnout through increased transparency and community engagement.
A third Democratic, candidate Bobby Kern, was on the ballot, but died in April.
Republican Robin Stewart ran unopposed and will face Bell in the general midterm elections.
Prosecutor
Both the Democratic and Republican candidates for Marion County prosecutor ran opposed in the primary.
Republican Philip Foust will challengeDemocrat and incumbent Ryan Mears in November. Foust previously worked as a deputy prosecutor in Marion County under both Mears and former prosecutor Terry Curry. Mears has served as prosecutor since 2019.
The prosecutor investigates crimes, decides whether to file charges and prosecute cases in court. In Indianapolis public safety continues to be a top issue. While homicides have declined, the city has been trying to curb youth gun violence.
Voters also choose candidates for county auditor, recorder and assessor.
