Callaway County: Republican sheriff race leads crowded primary ballot

The biggest race on the ballot in Callaway County is likely the Republican primary for sheriff.

Former sheriff Clay Chism cannot run after losing his peace officer's license because of a DWI conviction. Instead, acting sheriff Darryl Maylee and longtime law enforcement officer Victor Pittman are running in the Republican primary.

With no Democrats seeking the sheriff's office, the winner in August will be the next sheriff.

Maylee has been the acting sheriff since Chism was suspended from the office last June. He had been Chism's chief deputy up to that point, even working on Chism's reelection campaigns.

Pittman comes from outside the sheriff's office. His campaign website says he has more than 40 years of policing experience and has a valid peace officer's license. Pittman says he has lived in Callaway County since 1991.

Voters will also choose two Callaway County commissioners, the assessor and the treasurer in the primary. Four candidates are running in the Republican primary for Eastern District commissioner and three are running in the primary for Western District commissioner.