Richard "Rick" Watson

In office now

Richard "Rick" Watson is the Sheriff. Richard "Rick" Watson's page: the office they hold, how to reach it and where they stand.

About this race

The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.

1 candidate ran for St. Clair County Sheriff in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Immigration enforcement (ICE 287(g))

ICE's list of 287(g) participating agencies shows no agreement for St. Clair County's sheriff's office.

Under 287(g), ICE trains and authorizes local officers to carry out some federal immigration duties. From ICE's list of participating agencies, as of October 28, 2026. Whether to keep, change or end an agreement is up to the sheriff.

Where they stand

Moderately left, from the giving patterns of their campaign donors (DIME campaign-finance score, Stanford). Based on the 50 donors to their 2016 campaign for sheriff. DIME doesn't name donors: it places each one by everyone they give to, then places the candidate by their donors.

Source: data · how scores are linked to one scale.

Funding

$58K raised, $11K from small donors.

Source: Illinois State Board of Elections, reports through 2026-09-30.

More about Richard "Rick" Watson

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• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Quick answers

What party is Richard "Rick" Watson?

Richard "Rick" Watson is running as a Democrat.

What does the St. Clair County Sheriff seat do?

The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.

How much money has Richard "Rick" Watson raised?

$58K as of the latest state campaign-finance filings.

Is Richard "Rick" Watson liberal or conservative?

On SpectrumVote's left–right scale, Richard "Rick" Watson is moderately left, from the giving patterns of their campaign donors (DIME campaign-finance score, Stanford). This comes from published research, not our opinion.

Should I vote for Richard "Rick" Watson?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare Richard "Rick" Watson's record, funding and endorsements with the other candidates in this race and decide based on what matters to you.