Knoxville — Jason Sandholdt defeated Randy Puyear in the hotly contested race for the Republican nomination for Marion County Sheriff. Jim Kingery and Mark Raymie were able to slip past Adam Wadle to earn Republican nominations for Marion County Supervisor.
"This was definitely a team effort," Sandholdt said of his victory. "I had a lot of people supporting me. I appreciate their support. We ran an honorable campaign." He is thankful for everyone who helped and came out in support of his campaign.
"I want to thank all my supporters who helped through the campaign," Puyear said. "I wish Jason Sandholdt the best of luck to become the new sheriff."
Sandholdt's margin of victory, according to preliminary, unofficial results, was 1,943 to 1,127. There are no Democrats currently running for the office of Marion County Sheriff, nor are there any running for Supervisor.
Kingery was the lead vote-getter in this race, with 1,943. Raymie received 1,270 and Wadle 1,169.
"Interesting process all around," Raymie said. He added that his grateful for the support he received and the opportunity to be on the ballot in November.
"I'm excited," Kingery said. "I'm happy and grateful and excited." He found his victory gratifying and hopes to do even better as a Supervisor than he has in his first term.
Marion County Auditor Jake Grandia ran unopposed and collected 2,672 votes.
"I'm pleased and thankful to the voters of Marion County," Grandia said.
In statewide races affecting Marion County, Republican Greg Heartsill won Marion County on his way to receive his party's nomination for House District 28. He defeated Len Gosselink. Heartsill will face Democrat Megan Suhr, who was unopposed in the primary.
In House District 79, Republican Guy Vander Linden and Democrat Chris Wilson each ran unopposed, and will face each other in November.
Amy Sinclair of Wayne County defeated local Knoxville candidates Stephanie Jones and Steven Everly to earn the Republican nomination for Senate District 14.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to represent the Republican Party in the general election," Sinclair said. She credited the victory to the hard work of her volunteers.
Her opponent in November will be Democrat Dick Schrad. Schrad defeated Jason DeMichelis for his party's nomination. A message was left for Schrad, but the call has not yet been returned.
The Republican nominee for Senate District 40 will be Ken Rozenboom. There were no Democratic nominees for this office, though Pella attorney Tim Tripp has mounted a challenge and is working to get on the November general election ballot.
As for federal races affecting Marion County, the US House District 2 race will pit Democrat Dave Loebsack against Republican John Archer. Each defeated their primary opponents decisively. Messages were left for these candidates, but have not yet been returned.
Approximately 30 people were gathered at the courthouse Tuesday night to follow the local election results. Grandia said the election seemed to go well. Ballots are counted at each site, which allows per-precinct reporting. Marion County Conservation officers then deliver the ballots to the courthouse, where the results are audited and verified.
Results are unofficial until the canvass performed by the Marion County Board of Supervisors.
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