As the Republican primary for Clinton County Sheriff approaches in May 2026, three candidates have officially filed to seek the county’s top law-enforcement post: Jake Myers, Brendon Bright, and Ashley Kelly. Voters will soon decide which vision and leadership style they believe is best suited to guide the Sheriff’s Office in the coming years.
Republican Jake Myers has centered his campaign on restoring trust, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. A 28-year law-enforcement veteran, Myers has spent his entire career serving the people of Clinton County in a variety of roles. Upon announcing his candidacy, Myers said that “protecting and serving my family, friends, and neighbors is the greatest honor in life,” adding that as sheriff he would focus on keeping residents safe, restoring integrity and honesty to the Sheriff’s Office, ensuring deputies have the tools and training they need, and defending the rural conservative values held by many county residents.
Myers also points to his experience as a Clinton County Councilman, where he says he worked to lower taxes, reduce spending, and support public safety. If elected sheriff, Myers has pledged to apply those same fiscal principles by cutting wasteful spending and ensuring taxpayer dollars are responsibly used. His platform includes closer cooperation with the Frankfort Police Department, local town marshals, and the Indiana State Police; establishing a county drug task force; expanding deputy training and equipment; and increasing inmate rehabilitation programs focused on education, substance-abuse recovery, and faith-based initiatives to reduce recidivism.
Brendon Bright enters the race emphasizing character, experience, and community involvement. A highly trained and seasoned law-enforcement officer, Bright previously served as a Detective Captain with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office before retiring in 2020. He currently works full-time as an Investigator for the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office while also serving as the part-time Town Marshal for Kirklin. Supporters note that his career has given him experience across nearly every level of county law enforcement, from patrol and investigations to administrative leadership.
Beyond his professional background, Bright highlights his commitment to family, faith, and service. A husband, father, and practicing Christian, Bright has described integrity and accountability as core principles guiding both his personal life and career. In the community, he volunteers his time with Coach Kids of Clinton County, Special Olympics of Clinton County, the Rossville Lion’s Club, and Frankfort Rotary, roles that he says allow him to give back outside of his law-enforcement duties.
Also on the ballot is Ashley Kelly, who currently serves as the Clinton County Jail Matron. Kelly has emphasized her familiarity with inmate management, staffing challenges, and compliance requirements, arguing that her hands-on experience inside the facility gives her a practical understanding of what works — and what doesn’t — in the sheriff’s office.
In campaign messaging, Kelly has highlighted a focus on maintaining safety for both inmates and staff, improving internal procedures, and ensuring the jail operates efficiently and humanely. Supporters point to her years of involvement in jail administration and her working knowledge of policies, training standards, and operational demands as strengths she would bring to the role.
Kelly has stated that she intends to prioritize professionalism, stability, and continuity within the department, while continuing to serve the public and law-enforcement personnel alike. She has also said she welcomes public scrutiny and believes voters should consider her record and experience when making their decision in the primary.
Kelly and her husband Sheriff Richard Kelly have been involved in ongoing legal proceedings related to the handling of jail commissary funds. Audits and court findings have alleged improper financial arrangements and failures to disclose business interests, resulting in civil judgments and previously reported criminal charges, including official misconduct and conflict-of-interest allegations. The situation has drawn significant public scrutiny and prompted calls for accountability from county officials.
With three candidates offering sharply different backgrounds and perspectives, the 2026 Republican primary is expected to draw strong voter interest. The winner will advance to the November general election and ultimately shape the future leadership and direction of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.