Challenger Chris Clark wins by almost 20% over incumbent Sheriff Burchett

Clark County Sheriff Candidate Christopher Clark answered questions and spoke with voters at a debate held by Leadership Clark County Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. JESSICA OROZCO/STAFF

Credit: Jessica Orozco

Credit: Jessica Orozco

Clark County Sheriff Candidate Christopher Clark answered questions and spoke with voters at a debate held by Leadership Clark County Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. JESSICA OROZCO/STAFF

Chris Clark won handily against Incumbent Clark County Sheriff Deborah Burchett in Tuesday night’s Republican primary election.

According to final, unofficial results, Clark received 59.67% of the vote, while Burchett had 40.33%, with all precincts fully reporting. The margin grew significantly through the night from earlier results.

“I can’t thank the people who’ve supported me through this enough, my wife and my kids, they’ve been through the ups and downs for the last year,” Clark said. “... It all paid off tonight, and the citizens of Clark County have spoken.”

According to voter data, there was a turnout of 26.11%, the majority being election-day voters.

Clark served different roles in the sheriff’s office from 1997 until early last year. He also is Madison Twp.’s fire chief.

Casey Tingley puts his ballot in the voting machine Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at the First Christian Church on Middle Urbana Road. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

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Credit: Bill Lackey

Burchett has been sheriff since 2017; she defeated longtime Democrat Sheriff Gene Kelly in a year Republicans swept the county in November 2016. She is the county’s first female sheriff.

Burchett fired Clark in 2023. She wrote to him he was “terminated because I have lost trust in you as my fiduciary.” Clark said she fired him because she thought he would run against her.

The winner of the primary will face no challenger in November, meaning Clark will become the next sheriff.

Clark County Sheriff Deb Burchett speaks during the new Dispatch Center dedication ceremony Friday, August 25, 2023. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

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Credit: Bill Lackey

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