Republican Dan Short Wins Knox County Sheriff's Race
VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Republican Dan Short will be the next sheriff of Knox County after defeating Democrat Brian Hagen in Tuesday's general election.
Short received 68% of the vote, compared to Hagen's who received 32%.
Short currently works for the Knox County Sheriff's Department, where he has held several positions during his law enforcement career, including patrol deputy, field training officer and SWAT team member.
In an interview with WAKC News on Tuesday night, Short reflected on his previous campaign and the years leading up to his election victory.
"Tonight's victory, I'm going to give all the credit to God first and foremost," Short said.
"Second of all, this is a culmination of five years of hard work."
Short previously challenged incumbent Sheriff Doug Vantlin in the 2022 election.
He said that campaign was a strategic decision to gain experience and prepare for another run.
Short, who has 20 years of military service, also discussed the leadership philosophy he intends to bring to the sheriff's office.
"I was brought up on a leadership philosophy called leaders eat last which means you always put your people in front of your needs and your wants," Short said.
When asked about his plans for the department, Short indicated he would take time to evaluate its operations before making changes.
"Everything that's working well, we're going to keep it. Anything that we think we can improve on, we'll improve on," Short said.
Short will succeed current Knox County Sheriff Doug Vantlin, who is unable to seek reelection due to term limits after serving two consecutive four-year terms.
Vantlin has served as Knox County sheriff since January 2019. His final day in office will be Dec. 31.
Democratic opponent Brian Hagen also addressed the election results in a Facebook post Tuesday night, thanking those who voted and acknowledging Short's victory.
"I regret to inform supporters that I did NOT win the election," Hagen wrote before congratulating Short.
Short will be sworn in Jan. 1, 2027, beginning a four-year term.
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