Retired Illinois State Police officer Joe Moon has announced his bid for McDonough County sheriff, challenging current sheriff Nick Petitgout's seat.
He becomes the second challenger, alongside Evan Schmalshof.
The announcement came Thursday morning via Moon's campaign Facebook page. He will run as a Republican in the March 17, 2026 primary.
"Having spent my entire life in this county, I care deeply about McDonough County and its residents," Moon said in his announcement. The Citizens of McDonough County deserve transparency, accountability, respect, and dignity from the Sheriff as do the Deputies and staff from their leader. I will lead by example and offer fairness to the men and women that work at the Sheriff’s office."
Moon is a native of Macomb, a former Marine, and served with ISP for 26 years.
With ISP, Moon says he was a patrol officer, K9 handler and special agent in criminal investigations and undercover in the drug task force.
Moon detailed he work in labor relations in his announcement, serving as president of the Illinois Troopers Lodge 41, the second largest Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Illinois,
"If elected Sheriff, I would make changes to several very important operational policies, including updating the Use of Force, Pursuit, and Duty to Render Aid policies to limit liabilities while ensuring the highest level of service," he said. "Throughout my career I have built professional working relationships with other agencies both in and around McDonough County as well as around the state. I will take a collaborative approach with other local and state agencies to increase resources without increasing costs."
He enters a race embroiled in ongoing controversy.
Schmalshof, a McDonough County deputy, is currently on paid leave as an internal investigation is conducted following a police pursuit crash that killed the driver he was chasing. He has filed a lawsuit against both Peitgout and McDonough County.
