No Nailbiters In Sheriff, Commissioner, And Council Races Across Southeastern Indiana

Here is a recap of the 2018 primary election in southeastern Indiana.

Shane McHenry (left) defeated Brad Schwing in the race for the Republican nomination for Dearborn County Sheriff on Tuesday, May 8. File photos.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - Brad Schwing began activelycampaigning in 2015 for Dearborn County Sheriff. Shane McHenry jumped into the extended campaign last July.

The fruits of their labors were realized Tuesday.

McHenry, a Dearborn County Commissioner and prosecutor’s office investigator, won the Republican nomination for county sheriff against deputy Schwing. McHenry received 58 percent of the vote.

“This was tough, but at the end of the day I couldn’t be happier and proud of my supports, friends and family. I’ve had so many people there for me and so much great help,” McHenry told Eagle Country 99.3 after the results were in.

VIEW LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS ON OUR INDIANA VOTES 2018 PAGE.

McHenry called out Schwing last month for dodging appearances with him at multiple voter forums and meet-the-candidate events. Schwing thanked his supporters late Tuesday in a post on Facebook, the medium where he shared much of his campaign messaging instead.

“I want to thank each and everyone for their contribution to our campaign. Also to whoever is elected may they have great success in this position. Congratulations Shane on your victory,” Schwing posted.

McHenry is currently running unopposed in the November general election unless Dearborn County Democrats place a candidate on the ballot. Even if that were the case, the fact that a staggering 85 percent of Dearborn County voters in Tuesday’s primary pulled a Republican ballot bodes very well for any Republican running in the fall.

RELATED: Ballot Scanner Mishap Looms Over Dearborn County Elections

The Aurora resident spoke Tuesday night knowing his biggest challenge en route to the role of sheriff may be behind him.

“I really just want to do a great job of the citizens of this county and prove to them I’ll be a great sheriff,” he said.

Current sheriff Mike Kreinhop is term-limited.

In another closely watched Dearborn County Republican primary, Kevin Turner defeated fellow Dillsboro resident Ryan Brandt, an incumbent, in County Council District 3. Turner, a Greendale Police sergeant, outgained the Dillsboro police chief, 54 to 46 percent.

“I would like to thank the voters for choosing me to be the Republican candidate for Council District 3,” Turner told Eagle Country 99.3. “I also want to thank my opponent Ryan Brandt for making this a clean election, for his service on council, and friendship. I want to thank the party for making me feel welcome at their events. And finally, my family and friends who worked so hard for me during this campaign, especially my wife Marisa who kept me motivated to push on. I am honored to be chosen, and if elected in the fall I will serve honestly and in the best interests of all the citizens.”

Turner faces Democrat Melvin Kremer, Jr. in the fall general election

Joyce Oles won the Republican nomination for recorder, defeating Vickie Hon 60 to 40 percent. Oles will run against Democrat Christine Craig in November.

There were no contested Democratic primaries for local office in Dearborn County this primary season.

Dearborn County did experience technical issues with a majority of its ballot scanning machines on Election Day. Read more about that situation here.

Elsewhere in southeastern Indiana, a three-way race for the Republican nomination for Switzerland County sheriff was won by chief deputy Brian Morton. He received 56 percent of the vote to advance to the November election against Democrat Cory Hankins. In the Democratic race for Switzerland County Commissioner in District 3, incumbent Mark Lohide advanced past challenger Jack Asbury in a landslide, 74 to 26 percent. Republican Lance Collier and Democrat Jeff Darling handily won contested primaries for Switzerland County Council in districts 3 and 4, respectively.

In Franklin County, Jerry Wendel defeated incumbent Eric Roberts in the GOP race for District 1 County Commissioner with 63 percent of the vote. The Republican primary for Franklin County sheriff was won by Peter Cates over John Roberts, Jr. Cates will be along on the ballot in November unless Democrats put a candidate in. Brenda Eckerle defeated Cheryl Campbell for the GOP nomination for assessor while Brian Baxter won over Brian Bischoff for the Republican coroner nomination.

In Ripley County’s lone contested local race, Rob Seig won the Republican nomination in a landslide over Dephane Smith for Ripley County Council District 2. A Ripley County Council member, Chad Pindell, received 265 votes Tuesday in an uncontested primary race despite the Republican facing allegations of having inappropriate sexual relations with a student at Jac-Cen-Del High School. 

There were no contested local races in Ohio County on Tuesday.

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Indiana Votes 2018