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 in Tuesday’s primary election.
This is Rose’s first run for political office.
“It is a very overwhelming process. I appreciate everyone who got out and supported me throughout this. I’m looking forward to this November and this election coming up. Thank you guys!”
At this point, Rose does not have a Democratic challenger, but the Democratic Party could still caucus someone onto the ballot. In the meantime, Rose will begin plans to take over the office from retiring Republican county clerk Steve Fox. Rose says Fox has done a great job in running the office.
“I am looking forward to doing the best for the taxpayers of this county and making sure the office is running smoothly. Also, working on digitizing some of the paperwork there. I’m really eager to take office.”
Rose received congratulations from Wright. He calls Rose a fine young man whom he hopes the entire Republican Party will get behind and support.
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 Republican 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.
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.
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 in precincts that were supposed to vote at the Fair Exhibit building, which was moved to the First Christian Church in Salem.
