Election season has crept its way into Cass County. Next week, on May 5, 2026, the county will vote on the next sheriff, along with other positions. While the majority of students at Cass can not vote due to their age (you must be 18+), it is still important to know who is running for sheriff, their agenda, and why they are running for the sheriff position.
Ryan Preston
Ryan Preston is the first candidate. Ryan Preston is a proud citizen of Cass County, much like the other candidates, whose goal is to face the addiction and mental health crisis head-on. Preston is involved in the community in multiple capacities. He and his wife, Jennifer, own the Gathering Grounds, along with being members of Cornerstone Community Bible Church, where they both serve as youth leaders. He served in the Marine Corps for over eight years and has been involved in law enforcement for sixteen years. All of which have been served in Cass County. Some of the jobs Preston has held in law enforcement include taking on the role as the Lewis Cass School resource officer, a patrolman, a field training officer, a pension board secretary, and, as of now, a narcotics detective. Preston plans on helping incarcerated individuals who struggle with addiction and mental health. His goal is to help end addiction for those who find themselves stuck due to their addiction and to free them so they can live a good life. “I am dedicated to working tirelessly to enhance the safety and well-being of the residents of Cass County, because Cass County is more than just a place my family and I live – it’s our home, and I am deeply committed to protecting and serving it.”
While in the Marine Corps, Preston spent some of his time as a recruiter. According to Ryanprestonforsheriff.com, “My experience as a Marine Corps recruiter has provided me with the opportunity to be able to not only identify, but also attract top talent, a skill I find necessary and vital to ensure that we have qualified, top-notch candidates for both the Cass County Sheriff’s Department as well as our jail.”
Preston told the Courier, “I am running for Cass County Sheriff because I felt called by God to serve for a time such as this. I believe that with my eight years of Marine Corps experience and over sixteen years serving in law enforcement, I can take the Sheriff’s Department to the next level. With a servant heart and a leadership mindset, I am ready to serve as your next Sheriff. Faith, Family, Freedom.”
AJ Rozzi
The next candidate is August John (AJ) Rozzi. Rozzi has lived in Cass County his whole life. Rozzi proudly served at the Logansport Police Department and retired after 35 years of service. During his time with the Logansport Police Department, Rozzi took on quite a few roles including: chief of police, assistant chief of police, lieutenant patrol division, patrol officer, sergeant patrol division, lieutenant chief of detectives (investigation division). Rozzi, as of now, works as a part-time security guard at Ivy Tech Community College. Rozzi plans on improving the police department and leading with transparency. He also plans on facing the drug issue within Cass County as well as working on the positions of the Cass County Police Department and the Cass County Drug Task Force. According to Rozziforsheriff.com, “My top priorities as Sheriff will be to serve and protect the citizens of Cass County, as well as uphold the laws of the State of Indiana. I will manage the department with transparency, professionalism, and integrity. As a working sheriff, I will work alongside the deputies, assisting in any manner needed.” Rozzi is also a business owner and believes that experience will help him when looking for/hiring officers to protect Cass County.
Rozzi told the Courier, “I believe it is important for young people and families to feel safe and connected to law enforcement, which is why I am committed to strengthening relationships between officers and the community. With decades of leadership experience, I am dedicated to building a safer, stronger future for Cass County.”
Dale Campbell
The next candidate is Dale Campbell. Dale Campbell has served Cass County for nearly 30 years. Campbell started off as a deputy marshall before moving on to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. There he served as a patrol deputy sheriff, emergency response team leader, training coordinator, firearms coordinator, firearms instructor, jail commander, lead detective, sergeant, and a lieutenant. Campbell plans to make Cass County a safe community for families to enjoy. He also plans on facing the addiction crisis in our county as well as the mental health crisis. Campbell wants to focus on the veterans in Cass County and give them the right resources by adding a veterans court to Cass County. According to Dalecampbell4sheriff.com “As your Sheriff, I will always stand up for our veterans and work to make sure Cass County is a place that respects their service and supports their future. We can do better—and together, we will.”
Campbell told the Courier, “ I am running for Cass County Sheriff in 2026 to bring my experience and leadership to protect our families, keep our schools safe, and respond effectively to the addiction and mental health challenges our community faces. Together, we can ensure every resident of Cass County feels safe and supported. I’d be honored to earn your vote!”
Brian Swartzell
The last candidate is Brian Swartzell. Swartzell has served the Cass County Police Department for 23 years. The positions that Swartzell has held were a field training officer, offender registration, school resource officer for Pioneer High School, and a K-9 handler. Swartzell is involved in his community in multiple ways, such as the following: Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Royal Center Lions Club, Stand Up Cass County, the Pioneer Parent Advisory Board, and the Cass County School Safety Commission. Swartzell plans on making Cass County a safe community for the youth of the county. He wants Cass County to be a community where families feel safe and secure. According to Swartzell4sheriff.com “One of my key priorities will be ensuring that our youth have the tools, support, and education they need to make informed decisions and lead healthy lives. Through proactive outreach and community engagement, I will work to assist educational programs around mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention, helping to equip our young people with the resources they need to thrive.”
Swartzell told the Courier, “My goal is not only to ensure the safety of our residents but also to work alongside them to enhance the overall quality in our county. It is about fostering a community where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to make Cass County an even better place to live.”
All in all, the candidates are solid. There is no wrong choice. Every one of them has worked very hard to get to the election. All of the candidates have the experience required to serve as the next sheriff of Cass County. Make sure to get out and vote! And if unable to vote, tell someone who is of age. Every vote counts!
