Democrats dominated Tuesday’s general election in St. Joseph County, winning the races for sheriff, prosecutor, clerk, auditor, assessor and county commissioner, along with all three contested county council seats.

The election brings changes to several key county offices, including a new sheriff, a new prosecutor and a new county commissioner.

Ruszkowski Elected Sheriff

Democrat Scott Ruszkowski defeated Republican Rod Laureys in the race to become St. Joseph County’s next sheriff.

Ruszkowski received 47,951 votes, or 63%, compared to Laureys’ 28,674 votes, or 37%.

Ruszkowski, who has served as South Bend’s police chief, will succeed current Sheriff Bill Redman. Ruszkowski says he plans to strengthen partnerships between the County Police Department, other law enforcement agencies and community organizations to combat crime.

Cressy Wins Prosecutor’s Race

Democrat Amy Cressy won the race for St. Joseph County prosecutor, defeating Republican John Maciejczyk.

Cressy received 45,438 votes, or 60%, while Maciejczyk finished with 30,868 votes, or 40%.

The result gives Democrats another major countywide victory and places Cressy in charge of the office responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in St. Joseph County.

Redman Defeats Baxmeyer for County Commissioner

Current Sheriff Bill Redman will move into a different role in county government after defeating incumbent Republican Carl Baxmeyer in the District 1 County Commissioner race.

Redman received 16,735 votes, or 58%, compared to Baxmeyer’s 11,924 votes, or 42%.

The victory means Redman will remain involved in county government after leaving the sheriff’s office, while Baxmeyer loses his seat on the Board of Commissioners.

Democrats Capture Clerk, Auditor and Assessor Offices

Democrat Stephanie Ball defeated incumbent Republican Amy Rolfes in the county clerk’s race. Ball received 43,737 votes, or 57%, compared to Rolfes’ 32,422 votes, or 43%.

In the county auditor’s race, Democrat Autumn Kaylor defeated Republican Abby Doyle, also winning with 57% of the vote. Kaylor received 43,708 votes to Doyle’s 32,407.

Democrat Victor Cummings won the county assessor’s race, defeating Republican Mike Castellon. Cummings received 42,936 votes, or 56%, while Castellon received 33,280 votes, or 44%.

Democrats Sweep Contested County Council Races

Democrats also won all three contested St. Joseph County Council races.

In District A, Mike Hamann defeated Republican Joe Thomas, receiving 5,572 votes, or 55%, compared to Thomas’ 4,476 votes.

In District B, Democrat Ranjan Rohatgi defeated Republican Amy Drake with 4,594 votes, or 57%. Drake received 3,404 votes, or 43%.

The closest of the three contests was in District C, where Democrat Jan Cervelli defeated Republican James O’Brien. Cervelli received 5,521 votes, or 52%, while O’Brien received 5,145 votes, or 48%, a margin of just 376 votes.

Other Notable Election Results

In the South Bend Community School Corporation’s District 1 school board race, Kevin Hawkins won with 2,480 votes, or 61%. Emily McClements received 1,325 votes, while Cheryl Moody finished with 247.

Elsewhere in St. Joseph County, Julie Mudrovich won the Roseland Town Council race with 64% of the vote. Christy Donlon defeated Rick Coffman for the Walkerton Town Council Ward 2 seat, winning 56% to 44%.

In New Carlisle, Marcy Kauffman and Dan Caruso captured the two at-large town council seats.