PEORIA, Ill. — Outgoing Sheriff Brian Asbell’s hand-picked successor had little trouble fending off a challenge from a fellow Peoria County officer to become the Republican nominee for Sheriff.
By the time all votes had been cast and counted Tuesday night, Sheriff’s Captain Chris Watkins held a lead of nearly 3,000 votes.
With Sheriffs in counties all across Illinois retiring, the new nominee told 25 News he’s eager to step into the job if he gets the chance.
“I’ve been serving my country and my county since I was 18 years old and I plan on doing this for a very long time.”
Watkins beat fellow Sheriff’s Office employee Lieutenant Jason Buckley.
Watkins was outgoing Sheriff Brian Asbell’s preferred successor.
Democrats will still have an opportunity to slate someone to run against Watkins, but its unclear if any such plans are anywhere near reality.
