August primary will feature 6 contested county positions

Six county positions will feature contested races this summer, as the deadline to file for the August primary election was Tuesday.

What might be considered the most high-profile race features five candidates seeking to replace Mark Lillywhite as sheriff. The roster of Republican candidates features Dennis Allen, Jason Bingaman, Joseph Bingaman, Chad Spence and Gordon Evilsizor.

Three people are vying for the job of county prosecutor. Incumbent David Marvin is being contested by Deborah Davis and former prosecutor John McDonough.

Meanwhile, county clerk/register of deeds Lindsay Oswald, a nine-year incumbent, faces a challenge by Mendon Township resident Gina Everson.

Drain Commissioner Jeff Wenzel, who has served since 2009, will square off against Sturgis resident Josh Harter.

Finally, the seven-member county commission features two contested races. District 4, first-term incumbent Luis Rosado, who oversees Constantine, Mottville and White Pigeon townships, is being challenged by Constantine-area resident David Hayslip. Hayslip sought the same post in 2022 after incumbent Dan Czajkowski chose to not seek re-election.

There will be three candidates for the commission race in District 5, which covers Nottawa and Sherman townships, a portion of Sturgis Township and a sliver of the city of Sturgis. Dennis Allen is not-seeking re-election, as he has opted to run for sheriff instead. Two of the three candidates are Sturgis Township residents: Alan Albarran and Christina Yunker. The third candidate, Craig Crabill, lives in Sherman Township.

County Commission incumbents Jared Hoffmaster, Rick Shaffer, Rusty Baker, chairman Ken Malone and Terry Conklin are uncontested.

County Treasurer Kathy Humphreys, a Nottawa Township resident, is unopposed in her bid for re-election.

All positions are for four-year terms.