Incumbent Sheriff Mark Harig and challenger Bob Kindler will advance to the Nov. 2 election. Opponents Marc Johnson and Ryan Merkouris each had less than 10 percent of votes from Freeborn County.

Kindler, detective supervisor in the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, said he’s pleased with the results and that people went out and voted in the primary election. He then described his plans for the November election.

“We’re going to redefine strategy, and we’ll be coming out with some of the information in the weeks to come that I said I would come out with,” Kindler said.

Johnson and Merkouris threw their support behind Kindler.

Johnson said he will campaign for Kindler and wants the county to know more about the current sheriff. Kindler said he is thankful for Johnson’s support.

“I’m delighted he’s joining, and I welcome his support,” Kindler said.

Merkouris said he’d like to thank the people who helped him campaign and everyone who voted.

“With three people running against the current sheriff it has made people realize that there is a need for change within the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office,” Merkouris said. “I respect Bob Kindler and wish him the best in his attempts at becoming the next sheriff of Freeborn County.”

Merkouris also said he hopes voters take the time to study the issues and support the person they think would best run the Sheriff’s Office.

Harig was not available for comment as of press time.

Kindler received 2,779 votes for 48 percent of the county, Harig received 2,129 votes for 37 percent of the county, Merkouris received 540 votes for 9 percent of the county and Johnson received 318 votes for 6 percent of the county.

Look to tomorrow’s Tribune for number of votes for each candidate by precinct.