County

Sheriff, Marion County

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The sheriff runs the county jail and provides police patrols, especially outside city and town limits.

Candidates Compare by issue

Kelvis T. Williams

Democratic

Executive officer, Marion County Sheriff's Office

The gist

Supports expanding jail reentry and youth diversion programs.
Supports state-funded mental health and addiction care facilities.
Supports making the state pay for housing state prisoners.
Pledges to follow state law on immigration enforcement.

More about Kelvis

View sources (1)

Supports expanding jail reentry and youth diversion programs.
Kelvis Williams — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · Aug 31, 2026 · mirrorindy.org
“Commitment to safe, humane detention while expanding reentry programs, reducing recidivism, and investing in youth diversion, education, and mentorship”
Supports state-funded mental health and addiction care facilities.
Kelvis Williams — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · Aug 31, 2026 · mirrorindy.org
“The state of Indiana needs to take responsibility for providing care to this segment of our population through dedicated programs and facilities”
Supports making the state pay for housing state prisoners.
Kelvis Williams — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · Aug 31, 2026 · mirrorindy.org
“I support legislation to make the State of Indiana pay for the entire cost of housing IDOC convicts.”
Pledges to follow state law on immigration enforcement.
Kelvis Williams — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · Aug 31, 2026 · mirrorindy.org
“my oath of office would require me to follow the laws of Indiana just as Sheriff Forestal has done.”

Tom Vaughn

Republican

Chief of Police, Southport Police Department

The gist

Pledges a comprehensive review of jail operations.
Pledges to address deputy staffing, training and pay.
Supports medication-assisted addiction treatment in the jail.
Pledges ICE cooperation only where the law requires it.

More about Tom

View sources (1)

Pledges a comprehensive review of jail operations.
Thomas Vaughn — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · mirrorindy.org
“I will conduct a comprehensive review of jail operations, including intake, staffing, classification, inmate movement, overcrowding, medical and mental health services”
Pledges to address deputy staffing, training and pay.
Thomas Vaughn — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · mirrorindy.org
“I will address recruitment, retention, staffing, training, employee morale, and competitive compensation.”
Supports medication-assisted addiction treatment in the jail.
Thomas Vaughn — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · mirrorindy.org
“I would also support evidence-based substance-use treatment, including medication-assisted treatment when medically appropriate.”
Pledges ICE cooperation only where the law requires it.
Thomas Vaughn — Mirror Indy 2026 Voter Guide
Candidate questionnaire · Mirror Indy · mirrorindy.org
“cooperate appropriately with federal authorities when legally required”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 2 issues covered in this race.