On the last day to slate candidates, St. Clair County Republican chairman Doug Jameson named three to run in the November general election.
Robert Whitworth, 36, of Cahokia, who until the 2016 primary was a Democrat voter, will run for county coroner against incumbent Democrat Calvin Dye, Sr., 72, of Caseyville.
Dye was first elected to the position in 2016, succeeding Rick Stone, who died in November 2016 after having served more than 30 years in the position.
Whitworth, who has been a volunteer fire fighter for 22 years, mostly for Camp Jackson Fire Department and some time at Washington Park, said he doesn't believe politics should be involved with a first responder office.
He said his focus will be in serving the community with "compassion and integrity."
Whitworth said his profession is as a tow truck driver, but his employment has been interrupted with the COVID-19 downturn.
He said believes he can offer St. Clair County residents a fresh approach with different programs, and provide timely responses to officials who contact the coroner's office.
Jameson, who recently took over as chairman of the St. Clair County GOP, said voters deserve choices.
"To the end that voters deserve a choice in their elected representatives, additional Republican candidates have been slated who are fiscally responsible and adhere to our conservative southern Illinois values," Jameson said.
Other Republican candidates slated by Jameson on Monday incluce Cheryl Mathews, 65, of Swansea in a bid for County Board District 9. Mathews will face longtime Democrat incumbent C. Richard Vernier.
In County Board District 25, Jameson slated Tom Stahl, 65, of Cahokia, who will face incumbent Democrat James Haywood, 66, also of Cahokia.