The race for Clinton County Commissioner District 3 is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched — and potentially contentious — contests on the 2026 ballot, as Jordan Brewer faces a challenge from Richard Kelly, the current Clinton County Sheriff.
Brewer, the incumbent commissioner for District 3 and current president of the Board of Commissioners, has been an outspoken critic of Kelly in recent years, particularly amid ongoing legal issues surrounding the sheriff’s office. Kelly has now officially entered the race for Brewer’s seat, setting up a direct political showdown between two well-known county figures with a history of public disagreement.
The tension between the two escalated after Brewer publicly called for Kelly to step down as sheriff following court rulings and legal findings tied to the operation of the Clinton County Jail commissary. Those cases resulted in civil judgments and allegations of misconduct involving the handling of funds and conflicts of interest. Brewer has argued that the legal issues damaged public trust and required accountability at the highest level of county government.
Kelly has denied wrongdoing and has maintained that the matters have been politically motivated, positioning his candidacy for commissioner as an opportunity to continue serving the county in a different capacity. Supporters say his long tenure in county law enforcement gives him institutional knowledge and firsthand experience with county operations.
Brewer, meanwhile, has framed his role as commissioner as one focused on oversight, fiscal responsibility, and ethical governance. As president of the commissioners, he has emphasized the board’s responsibility to act as a check on other elected offices — a role that placed him squarely at odds with Kelly during the legal disputes.
With both candidates deeply familiar to voters and each carrying strong opinions — both supportive and critical — this contest is expected to draw heightened attention throughout the campaign season. Political observers note that the race blends traditional policy debates with unresolved tensions over leadership, accountability, and the proper balance of power within county government.
As filing deadlines pass and campaigning intensifies, voters in District 3 can expect a competitive race marked by sharp contrasts in leadership style and record.