Hamilton County is not waiting for November to decide who runs the sheriff’s office. For all practical purposes, the real fight for the county’s top law-enforcement job is happening in the Republican primary, where two longtime insiders are squaring off in a May contest that local coverage says will likely settle the question.
Who’s in the race
Chief Deputy John Lowes, the current sheriff’s second-in-command, filed to run in January and is pitching himself as the continuity pick for voters who like how things have been going. His campaign points to more than two decades of service and features an endorsement from Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush, according to Lowes for Sheriff and local reporting.
Lieutenant Dustin Dixon, a 24-year veteran who oversees day-shift patrol operations, also filed in January and is running as the boots-on-the-ground candidate, stressing patrol experience and community outreach work. Both filings were reported by YouAreCurrent.
Endorsements and fundraising
Dixon has racked up a string of high-profile endorsements and has the edge in reported fundraising, giving his campaign noticeable early momentum. The Reporter notes backing from former Indiana State Police superintendent and ex-sheriff Doug Carter, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. That coverage also shows Dixon’s committee has raised roughly $180,308, with about $132,535 cash on hand, while Lowes has reported about $106,875 raised and roughly $60,586 available. In a local race, that kind of endorsement list and cash cushion makes this primary one to watch as the campaigns roll toward spring.
Why the May primary matters
With no Democrat or third-party candidate filing for sheriff this cycle, the Republican primary is effectively set to decide who will hold the office next, according to local filing roundups. LarryInFishers summarizes Indianapolis Star reporting and notes that the Hamilton County Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Dixon, a union nod that could matter with GOP primary voters. The statewide primary is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, per WFYI.
Policy background and what to watch
Policy differences may give voters a clearer choice. Lowes has been a visible figure in the sheriff’s office initiative to coordinate with federal immigration authorities and explore a 287(g)-style commission, as reported by WRTV. Dixon has emphasized patrol leadership, K-9 work and community programs such as Shop For Kids, per local coverage, and his mix of local political backing and union support may shape turnout in the precincts that decide the GOP primary.
As early voting starts in April and runs up to Election Day in May, look for late endorsements, ad spending and turnout operations to tell the story of which Hamilton County insider walks away with the badge.
