BND 2026 Voter Guide: St. Clair County sheriff's Democratic primary
Welcome to the Belleville News-Democrat’s Voter Guide for the St. County sheriff’s Democratic primary that features Edgar Ellis and Sheriff Rick Watson.
The News-Democrat has contacted the candidates running in contested races in the March 17 Illinois primary and asked them to complete a candidate questionnaire.
While this article has information about the Democratic primary St. Clair County sheriff, you can go to this page at bnd.com to get links to read about other candidates running in the primary.
Below are the responses from Ellis and Watson. They are running to be the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 election. (They’re listed alphabetically.)
NAME: EDGAR ELLIS
Age as of March 17, 2026: 64
Campaign website or social media page: https://www.electellisforsheriff.com/
Office seeking: St. Clair County sheriff
Are you an incumbent? No
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) No
Occupation: Security officer
Education: Bachelor’s degree bus administration. Master’s of criminal justice
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Law enforcement 30+ years.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Family members
How much money have you raised for your campaign? Less than $50,000
Why are you running? Improve the quality of life in the area
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Safety. High visibility, upgrade facilities, encourage training and accountability
Why should people vote for you? I care about this community and its people.
Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No
NAME: RICHARD “RICK” WATSON
Age as of March 17, 2026: 69
Campaign website or social media page: HTTPS://www.facebook.com/sheriffrickwatson/
Office seeking: Sheriff - St. Clair County
Are you an incumbent? Yes
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought) Yes - Sheriff (St. Clair County, 2014, 2018, 2022)
Occupation: Sheriff of St. Clair County
Education: Master of Science - Lindenwood University (March 2014) : Bachelor of Science - Eastern Illinois University (1978) : Graduate of F.B.I. National Academy (2008)
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Executive board member of Fight Crime, Invest in Kids. Member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Cahokia Heights). Active adviser of St. Clair County Teen Court, Member of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. I am the current chairman of the St. Clair County 911 Board. I am also a board member of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. I also served on the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing under President Obama. I am also a supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and programs by Drug Abuse Resistance Education.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? D&F Constructors, 100 Years of Horsepower, Thomas Renner
How much money have you raised for your campaign? Current campaign funds exist from prior fundraising and no new funds. Existing balance $43,510
Why are you running? As a candidate for sheriff, I am committed to continuing to provide leadership to our law enforcement community and enhancing safety within our county. Many are unaware that as sheriff, I serve on the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. As a member of this board, I have advocated for increased training for officers and accountability. I have worked to modernize the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department with new state-of-the-art equipment and resources to better address crime reduction and resolution. I believe that under my leadership, the men and women of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department are of the highest quality in law enforcement, and I work diligently to ensure they have the necessary resources to safely accomplish our mission.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? Qualifications, education, experience, and integrity. The position of sheriff is one that mandates that the holder be a certified law enforcement officer. As sheriff, I am required by statute to complete 20 additional hours of law enforcement training in addition to what is required by all other peace officers. I possess the necessary experience to collaborate with employees and address complex issues associated with managing a department with nearly 200 employees.
Law enforcement has evolved, and any candidate seeking this position must have a complete understanding of current laws and how they have changed.
It would be extremely difficult for anyone who has been absent from law enforcement for an extended period of time to fulfill the responsibilities of this office and meet the current training requirements.
Why should people vote for you? I believe people should vote for me based on my leadership, my career, and the respect I have earned. I will not stop working to improve the leadership of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department.
Did you use AI to write your responses to these questions? No