Zach Rose will be the Republican candidate for Marion County Clerk in the November election. He defeated Greg Wright 2,876 votes to 1,448.
This is Rose’s first run for political office.
“I really appreciate the support. I’d like to thank God, my wife, and my kids for standing behind me for all this, and I guess I’m ready for the November election.”
Rose received congratulations on his victory from Wright. He calls Rose a fine young man whom he hopes the entire Republican Party will get behind and support.
At this time, the Democrats do not have any candidates for countywide or county board seats but have indicated they may caucus some onto the November ballot.
Republican Incumbent Sheriff Kevin Cripps and County Treasurer Gary Purcell were not challenged in the primary.
There were no contested county board seats. There was a write-in candidate for an open county board seat in District Five. Justin Garren received 32 votes, well above the three to win a ballot position.
There was one contested race for precinct committeeman. Samuel Barcroft defeated David Coryell 172 to 116.
Marion County voted strongly for Darren Bailey, who won the Republican nomination for Governor to once again challenge JB Pritzker in the fall. County voters also supported Don Tracey to be the Republican US Senate Candidate and Juliana Stratton, who won the Democratic nomination.
Marion County Clerk Steve Fox reported only 22 percent of the voters went to the polls or voted early, continuing a downward trend.
“The primary elections seem to be falling off in voter turnout, even worse than they were years ago. They aren’t too far off the consolidated elections in turnout anymore. I think it’s just that a lot of voters are polarized by political things going on in the world today.”
Fox reported no problems during the election and no confusion over the last-minute change of precincts that were supposed to vote at the Fair Exhibit building being moved to the First Christian Church in Salem.
