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Knox Today
By the People, for the People
Five Sheriff Candidates Outline Priorities Ahead of Knox County Election
Republican and Democratic contenders share their visions for the role of county sheriff
Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:11pm
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The Knox County Sheriff's race pits experienced law enforcement leaders against each other, with voters set to choose the next top cop.Knox TodayFive candidates are running for Knox County Sheriff, including four Republicans and one Democrat. The Republican candidates participated in on-camera interviews to share their priorities and qualifications, while the Democratic candidate provided written responses to the same set of questions. The candidates discussed their approaches to managing the department's budget, maintaining transparency, and addressing key issues like mental health and drug addiction.
Why it matters
The Knox County Sheriff's race is a closely watched contest, as the sheriff is the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the county and plays a crucial role in public safety, courthouse security, and jail operations. Voters will have a choice between experienced law enforcement professionals with differing visions for the role.
The details
The Republican candidates include Mike Fisher, a 22-year veteran of the department currently serving as a major; John Fuller, the current Chief Deputy who has worked his way up through the ranks over the past 15 years; Dan Short, a former Marine and Army National Guard MP with 19 years of civilian law enforcement experience; and Paul Jones, who has served as a patrolman, police chief, and Knox County deputy over the past two decades. The Democratic candidate is Brian Hagen, a 39-year veteran of the Vincennes City Police Department who is currently working as a corrections officer with Knox County Community Corrections.
- The Knox County primary election will be held on May 7, 2026.
- The general election is scheduled for November 4, 2026.
The players
Mike Fisher
A 22-year veteran of the Knox County Sheriff's Department currently serving as a major.
John Fuller
The current Chief Deputy of the Knox County Sheriff's Office, with over 15 years of experience in the department.
Dan Short
A former U.S. Marine and Army National Guard MP with 19 years of civilian law enforcement experience.
Paul Jones
A Knox County deputy with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, including stints as a patrolman and police chief.
Brian Hagen
A 39-year veteran of the Vincennes City Police Department who is currently working as a corrections officer with Knox County Community Corrections.
What they’re saying
“I'm the right choice. I've been doing this job, like I said, for 22 years. So, in doing that, I've maintained supervisory roles over many positions.”
— Mike Fisher, Republican Candidate
“With my education and real-world experience, and my over 20 years of law enforcement experience right here in Knox County at the Knox County Sheriff's Office, I believe I am the right choice for your next Knox County Sheriff.”
— John Fuller, Republican Candidate
“I believe the next sheriff, I believe any sheriff, should have a well-rounded and diversified resume, not only in law enforcement but in personnel management, in addition to documented years of experience that include calm and cool decision-making in adverse situations.”
— Dan Short, Republican Candidate
“I am the best choice for the elected position as Indiana Knox County Sheriff because of my experience, knowledge, and professionalism.”
— Brian Hagen, Democratic Candidate
What’s next
The Knox County primary election will be held on May 7, 2026, where voters will choose the Republican nominee. The general election is scheduled for November 4, 2026.
The takeaway
The Knox County Sheriff's race features a diverse field of experienced law enforcement professionals with differing visions for the role. Voters will have an important choice to make in selecting the next sheriff, who will be responsible for overseeing the county's law enforcement, jail operations, and courthouse security.
