Phillip “Phil” Deal of the Stonington Police Department is running to be Christian County’s next Sheriff.  The lifelong native of the county announced his candidacy for the role on Thursday.  Some of Deal’s top priorities include updating training and equipment, increasing community engagement, and boosting collaboration with police departments. 

A local farmer through 2004, Deal began working in law enforcement two years prior.  He worked full-time in the Christian County Sheriff’s Office from 2007 to 2023.  Deal has also worked part-time in the Kincaid Police Department. 

In a statement, Deal promises to be a leader of change and keep drugs off the streets.  Having lived in Christian County his entire life, he hopes to keep the county a safe place for all who live there. He also plans on working closely with the CAT Team and other law enforcement agencies. Deal also wants to bring the county together to work as a team to rebuild relationships between the departments. 

The primary election will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.  The winners will meet in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.  The latter day is also the midterm elections in the U.S. Congress as well as the election for governor of Illinois. 

More information on Phil Deal’s campaign can be found at his Facebook page.