Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Democrat who dropped out of the race to become Sangamon County Sheriff got votes anyway, and decided those votes means he needs to get back in.
Marc Bell, a retired Illinois State Police Master Sergeant, says after careful consideration, he’s getting back in to the race. His name was still on the ballot despite the withdrawal and claims county Democrats didn’t support him.
But he says the election was clearly a mandate for change.
“When you look at the results further, the message becomes even clearer: more than two-thirds of
voters chose a candidate who represented a new direction for this office,” said Bell, in a news release. “That’s not a coincidence. That’s a mandate.”
Bell got just under 12,000 votes Tuesday. If that’s combined with Republican David Timm’s 7,800 votes, that would mathematically work.
“We are excited that Marc Bell has decided to continue his campaign,” said the Sangamon County Democratic Party, in a Facebook post. “We have consistently believed that Marc is the most qualified candidate to provide the leadership needed for change and accountability in the Sheriff’s Office. We look forward to working with Marc to help get him elected as Sangamon County’s next Sheriff.”
Crouch received approximately 9,200 votes, and will now face Bell in November.
