In the race for Hamilton County Sheriff, incumbent Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey faced a rematch with her former boss, former Sheriff Jim Neil. Their differing styles and backgrounds, as well as their troubled professional relationship, created a personal backdrop in this election.
In her tenure as Hamilton County Sheriff, McGuffey has taken efforts to overhaul the sheriff’s office through use of collaborative efforts across other governmental organizations, modernizing office technology, structuring the budget and shifting policies to prioritize empathy over escalation.
With two terms as Hamilton County sheriff, Neil is proud of the successful collaboration across departments, the overall performance of the sheriff’s office and his establishment of housing units in the jail specifically for U.S. veterans.
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McGuffey told CityBeat that she felt Neil’s leadership often felt disorganized, especially in terms of budgeting, and that the staff he hired “did not think that uniformed officers should be held accountable for their behavior.” Neil finds issue with McGuffey’s alleged usage of her Democratic values in her policing, where he claims he “stayed out of the agendas of the parties.”
CityBeat is following key races as results are reported by boards of election and the Associated Press. Keep scrolling for updates as polls close and votes are counted:
Results last updated at 11:45 p.m.:
With 100% of Hamilton County precincts reporting, Democratic incumbent Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey finishes with 55.99% of the vote, totaling 217,557 votes, while former Sheriff Jim Neil, the Republican candidate, receives 44.01%, or 170,976 votes.
Numbers last updated at 10:50 p.m.:
With 98.75% of precincts reporting, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey continues in the lead, securing 55.90% of the vote, or 216,051 total votes. Former Sheriff Jim Neil’s recent surge in support has plateaued, now at 44.10%, with 170,430 votes.
Numbers last updated at 10:28 p.m.:
With 82.03% of precincts reporting, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey’s lead remains strong, holding 55.04% of the vote, or 194,081 total votes. Former Sheriff Jim Neil has seen an increase in support, now at 44.96%, with 158,534 votes.
Numbers last updated at 9:54 p.m.:
At 42.7% of precincts reporting, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey remains ahead with 60.06% of the vote at 153,237 total votes. Challenger former Sheriff Jim Neil is at 39.94% with 101,894 votes.
Numbers last updated at 9:35 p.m.:
Almost two hours after the polls closed, and with 21.35% of precincts reporting, Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey is ahead with 62.32% of the vote, or 127,292 votes, and former Sheriff Jim Neil is at 37.68% with 76,960 votes.
Numbers last updated at 9:03 p.m.:
With 7.47% of precincts reporting, incumbent Sheriff and Democrat Charmaine McGuffey is ahead with 61.19% of the vote, or 109,112 votes. Republican and former Sheriff Jim Neil is at 38.81% with 69,208 votes.
This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 12, 2024.
