PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — As Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans campaigns for reelection, questions have surfaced about his political affiliation. Evans, who was elected as an independent four years ago, now claims to be a Republican. But a closer look at his voting history and official records complicates this assertion.
Claim: Evans is a Republican Candidate
Rating: Misleading ❌
Evans’ recent public statements identify him as a Republican, and he has received the endorsement of the local Republican Party. However, official records tell a different story. While Evans pulled a GOP primary ballot recently, he has never formally declared a party affiliation change at the Board of Election through a declaration other than his petition.
Background
Elected as an independent in 2020, Evans’ past voting history indicates a record aligned with the Democratic Party, with no official move to the GOP prior to recent election cycles.
Key Facts
• Voting History: Evans previously voted as a Democrat in several elections before being elected as an independent.
• Party Endorsement: The local Republican Party has endorsed Evans, which may lend weight to his Republican claim but does not constitute an official party change.
• Board of Elections: To formally change his party affiliation as an officeholder, Evans would need to file a declaration with the Pike County Board of Elections. No such filing has been made, meaning he is not officially recognized as a Republican officeholder.
Conclusion
While Evans may identify as a Republican and has taken steps to align with the GOP, his official status remains as an independent due to his lack of a formal declaration with the Board of Elections. Voters should be aware that Evans’ claim of Republican affiliation does not align with his documented political history, leaving his true party alignment open to interpretation.
In this closely watched race, Evans will face independent candidate Brock Clemmons on Tuesday.