FORMER CARMI POLICE OFFICER TO CHALLENGE INCUMBENT FOR WHITE COUNTY SHERIFF

A familiar face in White County law enforcement has entered the race for sheriff. Former Carmi Police Officer Chris Pollard has announced his candidacy, challenging incumbent Sheriff Jordan Weiss in the 2026 election.
Pollard served 25 years with the Carmi Police Department, three years with the Crossville/Grayville Police, and currently works as the school resource officer at Norris City-Omaha-Enfield School. He and his wife, Kristin, have also operated Carmi Fitness for 25 years. The couple, active members of Roads Church in Norris City, have five children.
Sheriff Jordan Weiss, elected in 2022 following the retirement of longtime Sheriff Doug Maier, began his law enforcement career in 2012 as a part-time correctional officer. In 2014, Maier hired Weiss full-time as a narcotics investigator with the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force. Weiss graduated from the Police Training Institute as a certified narcotics investigator and worked with the U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, FBI, and DEA. He transitioned to a uniformed deputy role in 2020 before being elected sheriff.
Voters will decide the race during the Illinois Primary Election on March 17, 2026, with the General Election set for November 3rd, 2026.