MANSFIELD — Steve Sheldon has already served 12 years as Richland County Sheriff. After Tuesday’s election, he’ll get four more.
Sheldon earned 54 percent of the vote over Democratic challenger Matt Mayer, according to the unofficial results of Tuesday’s general election from the Richland County Board of Elections. Sheldon counted 28,872 votes to Mayer’s 23,711 votes.
“I have worked very hard the last three terms, and we have a lot of stuff we have to get accomplished at the Sheriff’s office yet,” Sheldon said. “I’m happy to have four more years to serve the public and the people of Richland County.”
Sheldon has served as Richland County Sheriff since 2004. With his reelection, Sheldon is guaranteed to serve as Sheriff until 2020.
Looking ahead to his next term, Sheldon said one of his top priorities will be getting body cameras for all of his deputies. He also wants to work on the Sheriff’s office becoming nationally accredited, something he touted during his campaign.
“Part of what makes getting nationally accredited so important is every policy and procedure we have will be written and corrected, and making sure we follow every one of them,” Sheldon said. “It makes you adhere to very professional standards.”
Watching the election results from the Richland County Democratic headquarters in downtown Mansfield, challenger Matt Mayer said he respected the results of the election. He wished his best to the Republicans, and thanked his voters.
“Matt Mayer called me shortly after the results were done,” Sheldon said. “Very professional and very kind words were said. I’m glad I won, but I really appreciated Matt calling and congratulating me. He’s a true gentleman.”
Sheldon’s victory came as part of a sweep for local Republicans on the ballot. In addition to Sheldon winning his seat as Richland County Sheriff, Republicans Darrell Banks and Tony Vero earned Richland County Commissioner seats, Sarah Davis retained her seat as Recorder, and Gary Bishop upset Democratic incumbent Bambi Couch Page as Prosecutor.
Sheldon said the Republican sweep in Richland County is part of the “Trump” effect, echoing the campaign of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. As of Tuesday evening Trump had won in Richland County.
“A lot of people in the country are upset with a lot of what’s going on, and I think a lot of Republicans across the country are going to do very well,” Sheldon said.
According to the Richland County Board of Elections, there are 82,032 registered voters in Richland County. Unofficial results on Tuesday night showed 54,762 ballots were cast, resulting in a 66.76 percent turnout.
