MOUNT VERNON — Danville Police Chief Dan Weckesser won the Republican primary for Knox County Sheriff on Tuesday night with 5,029 votes.
Weckesser trailed for most of the evening but drew ahead when 45 of the 54 precincts reported in. He garnered 46 percent of the vote.
“I am really humbled, and I definitely appreciate all of the citizens that had faith in me and supported me in this,” he said. “I am looking forward to serving as their sheriff.”
Weckesser said that as he watched results come in throughout the evening, he was thinking of how he could serve the citizens if he won.
“I want to thank all of the people who helped me all along the way,” he said. “I greatly appreciate the support of the citizens and everyone who supported me with this run for sheriff. I’ll do the best I can.”
Opponents Deputy Wayne Noggle and Sheriff’s Capt. William Shaffer drew 14 and 40 percent of the votes, respectively.
Both expressed disappointment in the outcome. Both also said they said they will support Weckesser.
“The people spoke, and that’s what we have to respect,” Noggle said. “I will back the winner 100 percent because that’s what the people want.
“We have to respect the election process. I’ll back Dan 100% throughout his term.”
“Obviously there’s disappointment, but I am going to support the candidate who won the best way we can moving forward,” Shaffer said.
No Democrat ran in the primary race, and no independent candidate filed to run in the November general election. The deadline to file was March 18. That means Weckesser will run unopposed in November for Knox County sheriff.
The total voter turnout in the primary was 30.54 percent. The results are unofficial until they are certified.