Dan Short Enters Race for Knox County Sheriff

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - A Knox County Sheriff's Deputy has entered the race for Knox County Sheriff.

Deputy Dan Short announced on social media last week that he is seeking the Republican Party's nomination for Knox County Sheriff in the 2026 primary election.

The Knox County native worked as a police officer in Stockton, California for 10 years, before joining the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in 2016.

Short has served in various roles, including Patrol Officer/Road Deputy, Court Deputy, Jail Officer, Field Training Officer, Community Police Officer, Rifle Team Member, SWAT Logistics Officer, and SWAT Operator.

Short is now in the race alongside fellow Republican candidate Chief Deputy John Fuller, who announced his plans to run earlier this month.

Current Sheriff Doug Vantlin is set to retire at the end of 2026 due to term limits.

The official candidate filing window for the 2026 election runs from Wednesday, January 7, 2026, through Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon.