Fourth Candidate Enters Sheriff’s Race in Knox County

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - A fourth candidate has entered the race for Knox County Sheriff.

Paul Jones announced earlier this month that he will seek the Republican nomination in the 2026 primary election.

A Knox County native, Jones began his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Bicknell Police Department.

After eight years, Jones was promoted to Chief, a position he held until 2016.

Jones currently serves as a captain with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing the school resource officer program.

Jones joins fellow Republican candidates Major Mike Fisher, Deputy Dan Short, and Chief Deputy John Fuller, who announced their campaigns earlier this summer.

Current Sheriff Doug Vantlin is unable to run again due to term limits and will retire at the end of 2026.

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