County

Seneca County Sheriff

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

What this office does: The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency and the county jail.

The board's candidate list labels the office "County Sheriff - 4 Years"; Finger Lakes Times reporting describes the November race as a special election for the remaining year of former Sheriff Tim Thompson's term (he retired June 15, 2026).

Candidates Compare by issue

Kristin Fleming

Democratic, Community Trust

Retired New York State trooper · Seneca Falls

The gist

Pledges to name an undersheriff only after election

More about Kristin

View sources (1)

Pledges to name an undersheriff only after election
Fleming will wait to name potential undersheriff
News coverage · Finger Lakes Times · fltimes.com
“I will make that decision based on who I believe is best qualified to serve the department and the people of Seneca County.”

Michael Passalacqua

Republican, Conservative

Retired Geneva police chief · Waterloo

The gist

Pledges to prioritize a safe, secure community
Pledges a sheriff's office rooted in transparency and accountability
Proposes retired trooper Steven Kelley as undersheriff

More about Michael

View sources (2)

Pledges to prioritize a safe, secure community
Passalacqua announces run for Seneca County sheriff
News coverage · FingerLakes1.com · Jul 1, 2026 · fingerlakes1.com
“his top priority would be ensuring a safe and secure community for children, residents and visitors”
Pledges a sheriff's office rooted in transparency and accountability
Passalacqua announces run for Seneca County sheriff
News coverage · FingerLakes1.com · Jul 1, 2026 · fingerlakes1.com
“He said he wants to lead a Sheriff’s Office rooted in transparency, accountability and integrity.”
Proposes retired trooper Steven Kelley as undersheriff
Passalacqua names Kelley as running mate
News coverage · Finger Lakes Times · fltimes.com
“has named Steven Kelley as his choice for undersheriff if elected in November”

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.