Two area law enforcement officials are officially on the ballot for the position of McDonough County Sheriff, with the 2026 primary set for March 17.
Incumbent Sheriff Nick Petitgout and challenger Joe Moon, retired Illinois State Police trooper, turned in their petitions to the McDonough County Clerk's office by the Nov. 3, 2025 deadline. No objections were filed. To appear on the official ballot, candidates, including incumbents, must file a petition with the McDonough County Clerk with the required signatures and a statement of economic interest. Requirements include candidates must be a U.S. citizen, be a resident of the county for one year and be a registered voter in the county and not be a convicted felon. Signature requirements include 0.5 percent of the highest vote getter in the last general election (in any office – county, state or federal) for each respective, established party.
To ensure accuracy and fairness in presenting the Republican candidates for sheriff, The Community News Brief provided the sheriff's candidate with the same questions, with each answer to be 150 words maximum (exception: question #3, which allowed 250 words).
In addition, each candidate has a dedicated Facebook page:
Petitgout - https://www.facebook.com/petitgoutforsheriff
Moon - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578888345845
