Walter (Johnny Z) Zelivetz
Candidate for Sheriff, Washington County
Background
Filed for the Republican nomination for sheriff, but the county Republican chair challenged his eligibility to run as a Republican; he is on the November ballot as an independent.
Documented positions
Public safety
Opposes broad Flock camera use as unconstitutional
He would accept cameras at places such as schools, parks, nursing homes and hospitals, but not to track residents generally.
ReportElection 2026: Candidate for Washington County Sheriff Walter "Johnny Z" ZelivetzCandidate questionnaire · The Washington County Times · Sep 23, 2026 · washingtoncountytimes.com
“A Flock camera right off the bat violates the Fourth Amendment.”
Supports fentanyl education and stepped-up drug enforcement
ReportElection 2026: Candidate for Washington County Sheriff Walter "Johnny Z" ZelivetzCandidate questionnaire · The Washington County Times · Sep 23, 2026 · washingtoncountytimes.com
“More education is needed about fentanyl poisoning.”
Supports better wages to retain good deputies
ReportElection 2026: Candidate for Washington County Sheriff Walter "Johnny Z" ZelivetzCandidate questionnaire · The Washington County Times · Sep 23, 2026 · washingtoncountytimes.com
“We need better wages to keep the good ones.”
Courts & justice
Pledges help for jail inmates to rejoin the community
ReportElection 2026: Candidate for Washington County Sheriff Walter "Johnny Z" ZelivetzCandidate questionnaire · The Washington County Times · Sep 23, 2026 · washingtoncountytimes.com
“I will work to get help for people in jail so they can come out and be part of the community again.”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Walter (Johnny Z) Zelivetz on them.
- Taxes & budgetNo documented position found.
- Health & human servicesNo documented position found.
- Government & transparencyNo documented position found.
All sources (4)
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election (Washington County offices and districts)
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Election Board to Hear Challenge Friday Against Zelivitz For Sheriff
News coverage · WSLM Radio · Feb 18, 2026 · wslmradio.com
- Election 2026: Candidate for Washington County Sheriff Walter "Johnny Z" Zelivetz
Candidate questionnaire · The Washington County Times · Sep 23, 2026 · washingtoncountytimes.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.