The Ballot Brief
Lewis and Clark County, Montana

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff-Coroner

2 candidates are tracked for Lewis and Clark County Sheriff-Coroner on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Leo Dutton and Chris Norris. Candidate information follows official Lewis and Clark County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Incumbent Sheriff Leo Dutton is challenged by Deputy Sheriff Chris Norris in this nonpartisan four-year-term race. Only two candidates filed for the single seat, so both go directly to the November 3, 2026 ballot without a primary, per KTVH.

What this office does

Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.

This race. Nonpartisan: candidates appear without party labels. Every voter in Lewis and Clark County votes on this seat.

Montana › Lewis and Clark County › Lewis and Clark County Sheriff-Coroner

Leo Dutton

Nonpartisan

Top priorities
  • Continuing a focus on safety, service, and trust
  • Finding a long-term solution to detention-center staffing challenges

Per the KTVH.

Biography

Leo Dutton has served 17 years as Lewis and Clark County sheriff and more than 40 years total with the sheriff's office, and previously worked as an EMT with St. Peter's Hospital, per KTVH. No campaign website was found as of September 9, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Leo Dutton.

Chris Norris

Nonpartisan

Top priorities
  • Organizational change and new direction for the sheriff's office
  • Addressing jail staffing shortages
  • Expanding student resource officer programs in schools

Per the KTVH.

Biography

Chris Norris has worked nine years as a deputy at the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office, with earlier law enforcement experience as a detention officer at the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, per KTVH.

Next on your ballotLewis and Clark County Justice of the Peace

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Voting info and more

Voting info and more
Questions about this race

Who is running for Lewis and Clark County Sheriff-Coroner in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Lewis and Clark County Sheriff-Coroner on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Leo Dutton and Chris Norris. Candidate information follows official Lewis and Clark County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff-Coroner election in Montana?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Montana are on the Montana election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Lewis and Clark County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Lewis and Clark County and state election office filings, last verified September 25, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Montana election office, or see the full Lewis and Clark County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Lewis and Clark County ballot

15 tracked races in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Public Service Commission District 5District Court Judge, 1st Judicial District, Department 3Montana Senate District 9See all 15 Lewis and Clark County races
Candidate profiles
Leo Dutton, full profileChris Norris, full profileOfficial Montana election office