With Election Day only weeks away, the contest for Onondaga County sheriff has become a sharply contested showdown between incumbent Democrat Toby Shelley and Republican challenger RJ Lenhart. The race has intensified after the jail deputies union issued a no‑confidence vote against Shelley, prompting both candidates to sharpen their messages on public safety, immigration enforcement and the county’s sex‑offender registry.

Leadership and community relations

Shelley, who has served as sheriff since 2022, dismissed the union’s criticism as a political ploy. “This contentious race is created by my opponent; it appears he’s just a puppet of the DSBA union president Hagmeyer,” Shelley said in a recent interview. He argued that his record shows a commitment to professional policing and community outreach.

Lenhart, a former police officer and longtime law‑enforcement veteran, countered that Shelley’s leadership style has alienated staff and hindered cooperation. “You’re the sheriff of one of the largest agencies in this county; you need to have the ability to develop relationships and work through difficult times,” Lenhart said. He warned that ongoing internal discord could affect the department’s ability to protect residents.

Accusations of racial profiling

Lenhart accused Shelley of tolerating racial profiling, citing an incident in which an 11‑year‑old Black girl was handcuffed in the city of Marcellus. “He said it was okay to racially profile in Marcellus; he also thought it was okay to handcuff an 11‑year‑old Black girl who was innocent,” Lenhart asserted.

Shelley responded by drawing a distinction between profiling and legitimate police work. “The difference between profiling and good police work is to notice something that doesn’t fit in and question it,” he explained, adding that the criticism was “spun by a person who was paid by my opponent.”

Immigration enforcement

Immigration enforcement has emerged as a flashpoint after a recent ICE operation at a Mexican restaurant in Syracuse that resulted in the detention of two workers. Both candidates said they would cooperate with federal immigration authorities when public safety is at stake, while also emphasizing limits.

Lenhart said, “I’m going to work with whatever agency I need to work with when we’re dealing with dangerous felons in the community.” He cautioned against using immigration enforcement for civil‑law violations, noting limited manpower and expertise.

Shelley echoed a similar stance, stating, “I will work with ICE to find a criminal,” but added, “We’re not going to profile people. Definitely people should be here legally, but here we are in a situation where some aren’t.”

Sex‑offender registry reform

The candidates also addressed recent concerns about level‑one sex offenders who have reoffended. Shelley advocated for changes to the registry system, suggesting that youth offenders who commit another act should automatically move up a level so the community is better informed. “We’ve talked to assemblymen in the centers, our local ones. I think you should know who is in your neighborhood,” he said.

Lenhart said he is open to reviewing the registry but did not propose specific changes. “I’m not opposed to really looking at our registry and who needs to be put on it. We need to protect our community; that’s the bottom line,” he affirmed.

What voters need to know

As the campaign enters its final stretch, voters in Onondaga County will weigh contrasting visions for the sheriff’s office. Shelley emphasizes continuity, community outreach and a measured approach to immigration enforcement. Lenhart promises stronger internal leadership, a firm stance against crime and a willingness to cooperate with federal agencies when necessary.

Both candidates have pledged to protect public safety while respecting constitutional rights and the values of families in the county. The sheriff’s race will appear on the ballot in the November 2026 general election, and early voting begins next week at designated locations throughout the county.

Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.