Sheriff John Jordan cruises to victory in GOP primary

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan cruised to victory in the Republican primary Tuesday night, assuring him of re-election to another four-year term.

Jordan will be unopposed in the November general election.

John Jordan

He swept back into office by defeating political newcomer Dave Diveley by a vote of 7,901 to 4,551. Jordan won more than 63 percent of the vote rolling up big vote margins in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and rural areas of the county. He won in every precinct.

Jordan, first elected in 1994, is the longest-serving sheriff in county history. He has led the sheriff's department for more than 21 years, having first won a special election, then six consecutive elections for full four-year terms.

The two candidates advertised their candidacies heavily. As of late July, the two men had spent nearly $42,000 combined on advertising and other election expenses, according to campaign-finance disclosure records filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Jordan campaigned on his record as administrator of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department and jail.

Diveley, on the other hand, vowed to change the operation of the sheriff's department. Diveley argued law enforcement benefits from "a new face" and "new ideas."

Beth Janet votes in the primary election Tuesday at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau.Fred Lynch

Diveley, a retired federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent from Cape Girardeau, claimed Jordan had become unresponsive to county residents.

Jordan disagreed, insisting to voters he has served Cape Girardeau County residents faithfully.

Celebrating with supporters in Cape Girardeau on Tuesday night, Jordan said he was "humble and grateful" of the support he received from voters.

"Our social media was just abuzz today," Jordan said, adding he was able to turn out his base of supporters.

"It was overwhelming," the sheriff said.

Jordan said he ran a "clean, positive campaign."

He added, "On a local level, people expect that."

Reached Tuesday night, Diveley congratulated Jordan.

"I have no regrets. I gave it my best shot," he said. "If I can't beat him, nobody can."

Diveley said he had expected the contest to be closer.

But in the end, it wasn't close.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641