Meet the candidates in a crowded field running for Clark County sheriff

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A crowded field has its eyes set on the Clark County sheriff's seat, including former southern Indiana police chiefs and the current county sheriff.

Ed Byers and Tim Deeringer will run as Democrats. Kenny Kavanaugh and incumbent Scottie Maples are the Republican candidates. Dwight Ingle initially filed to run as a Democrat but officially withdrew this week. He plans to run as an Independent if he can get enough signatures.

Maples, who's running for reelection, spent 22 years working his way up the department.

"I feel like we did a great job the first three years," Maples said. "We're in year four. We want to keep the momentum moving."

Maples took over for former Sheriff Jamey Noel, who was sentenced in October 2024 to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to 27 felonies. Charges included theft, obstruction of justice, tax evasion, money laundering, corrupt business influence and official misconduct.

"I've sniffed out corruption, put people in prison and revamped the place," Maples said.

Maples said his wins include securing pay raises for police and correctional officers, revamping the training center and securing body cameras for deputies.

However, his challengers believe there's still more work to do.

"It is time for us to move on," Kavanaugh said. "It is time for us to pivot."

Kavanaugh entered the race Feb. 6. He's spent more than 30 years with the Jeffersonville Police Department, including 10 years as chief. Though he stepped down in August, Kavanaugh said his law enforcement experience makes him the right guy for the job.

"I recognize there is a need for leadership, professionalism and integrity," Kavanaugh said, adding hopes to rebuild trust and confidence between the sheriff's office and the community. "If I am elected, on those police cars, it will say 'To protect and to serve.' That is in the name of the people."

Deeringer is another former chief of police vying for this seat.

"I want to bring transparency and accountability back to the sheriff's department," he said.

Deeringer retired from law enforcement after nearly 30 years with Jeffersonville police. He's is focused on revamping the merit board and providing "better officer training for mental health issues."

"The one thing I want to do is make sure the men and women of the sheriff department know the sheriff's got their back," Deeringer said. "That's very important to me, and I want to be sheriff for everybody."

The other Democrat candidate is Byers, who's running for Clark County sheriff for a second time. Byers spent 31 years in federal law enforcement. He said his priorities are "calling out corruption" and retaining officers.

"I want to make it more serviceable to the people and more responsible and transparent to the people that they serve," Byers said.

If elected, Byers said he plans to build a public trust unit "to to look at political corruption."

"Even corruption as far as home repair people," Byers said. "In Clark County, there are higher taxes (and) less service. I think people are tired of having political elites and outright criminals control their tax money."

Ingle initially filed to run as a Democrat. However, he officially withdrew ahead of the Feb. 13 deadline.

"I'm 73 years old," Ingle said. "This is my last shot. I'm going to run on the Independent ticket."

Ingle said this is his fourth time running. His top priorities include boosting morale within the Clark County Sheriff's Office and keeping the department professional.

"If I am elected sheriff, the take-home salary we all go to Make-A-Wish Foundation and Kosair Children's Hospital. I'm not running for the money. There are a lot of problems and a lot of things that need to change."

Ingle needs 720 signatures to get his name on the ballot. He has until June 30 get them.

Indiana's primary election is on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The next Indiana General election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.

Click here to register to vote.

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