Voters in Marion County hit the polls Tuesday to cast their votes in the primary election to decide which Republican and Democratic candidate will be on the ballot in the November general election. In all the local races the only Marion County office contested was for Sheriff, as incumbent Republican Jason Sandholdt received 2,891 votes beating challenger and former Marion County Deputy Jeff Koder by 1,692 votes with Koder receiving a total of 1,199 votes. By winning the primary election Sheriff Sandholdt will likely retain his seat in November, as there is no Democratic opposition on the ballot.

Sheriff Sandholdt tells KNIA/KRLS News he is humbled to be selected as the Repubilican Candidate and ultimately the Sheriff of Marion County once again. He says he is humbled by the vote and says he has always tried to be the sheriff for all 33,000 people in the county. He says the residents are happy with all the people that work at the sheriff’s office and all the work they do and he believes it showed by the outcome of the election.

Sheriff Sandholdt also wanted to take time to thank the residents who voted for him. He says the number one thing is to say thank you, and thank them for putting their trust in him to lead the county. He says he believes the people are saying they are happy and know the sheriff’s office is fair and courteous of the residents while also being tough on crime and he is very much appreciative of it. 

In the other Marion County offices on the ballot, Supervisors Stephen McCombs and Mark Raymie, as well as Auditor Jake Grandia, all received the Republican nominee as they won in uncontested races.