Who is running for Onondaga County Sheriff in 2026?

Toby Shelley (Democrat) and RJ Lenhart (Republican).

Who should I vote for in the Onondaga County Sheriff race?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.

When is the election?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Onondaga County Sheriff

Last updated Sat, Nov 7, 3:09 PM ET

2 candidates · General election, November 3, 2026

What this office does

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.

Immigration enforcement (ICE 287(g))

ICE's list of 287(g) participating agencies shows no agreement for Onondaga 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.

Candidates

Toby Shelley

Democrat · $81K raised (state filings)

Moderately left · from the giving patterns of their campaign donors (DIME campaign-finance score, Stanford)

RJ Lenhart

Republican · $128K raised (state filings)

Not enough public record yet to place on the left–right scale.

Filled dots are published academic scores; hollow dots are AI estimates from the candidate's own public record. How placements work.

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Next elections here

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

Also on Onondaga County ballots

All Onondaga County races and measures →

Quick answers

Who is running for Onondaga County Sheriff in 2026?: Toby Shelley (Democrat) and RJ Lenhart (Republican).
What does this office 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.
Who should I vote for in the Onondaga County Sheriff race?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.
When is the election?: The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Onondaga County ballot.

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