Richard "Rick" Watson
Democratic
Biography
Richard Watson is the sitting St. Clair County Sheriff, per the Sheriff's Department website. No campaign website was found as of September 22, 2026.
St. Clair County, Illinois
St. Clair County Sheriff
St. Clair County, Illinois
St. Clair County Sheriff
One candidate is tracked for St. Clair County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Richard "Rick" Watson. Candidate information follows official St. Clair County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
About this race
Republican filer Steve Patterson's candidacy shows status Objection Sustained on the county clerk's filing tool, meaning he does not appear on the ballot. Richard "Rick" Watson, the Democratic filer (status Active), is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
What this office does
Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.
This race. Every voter in St. Clair County votes on this seat. One name is on the ballot for this seat.