Watson Wins Democratic Bid For St. Clair County Sheriff

BELLEVILLE – The race for St. Clair County Sheriff marked the only county-level contest in the 2026 primary elections.

Incumbent Sheriff Richard “Rick” Watson secured his nomination bid against challenger Edgar Ellis in the Democratic primary race for St. Clair County Sheriff. Watson received 65% of the vote, while Ellis received 34% of the vote, with 100% of precincts partially reporting, according to unofficial results from March 17, 2026.

Watson is set to run unopposed in the Nov. 3, 2026, general elections, with no Republican candidates having filed for Sheriff.

In the race for County Clerk, Democrat Laura Kaemmerer and Republican Gary Hursey were both unopposed in securing their party’s nominations heading into the November general elections, when they’re set to face each other. The winner will replace incumbent County Clerk Thomas Holbrook, who did not seek re-election.

Democrat and incumbent County Treasurer Andrew Lopinot and Republican Myki Rhodes both ran unopposed to become their party’s nominee for County Treasurer and are set to face each other in the general elections.

For the County Board of Review, Incumbent Democrat Irma G. Golliday and Republican Brian Triska were both unopposed as their party’s nominee and will face each other in the November race for a seat on the board.

Incumbent Democrat Jennifer Gomric-Minton also ran unopposed to become her party’s nominee for County Assessor and will seek re-election unopposed in November.

See more coverage of primary election results for other local counties on Riverbender.com.

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