Chris Watkins
Republican · IL · Sheriff, Peoria County
Peoria County Sheriff and a lifelong Peoria resident with 18 years in the sheriff's office as corrections officer, patrol deputy, lieutenant, director of courthouse security and patrol captain. Has served on the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
Where Chris Watkins stands, based on their records
Supports
Public Safety and Crime Control (1 record)
Campaign finance information not available
Track record
Track record — Public Safety and Crime Control
Public Safety and Crime Control · 1 support
On 2026-01-09, Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins released jail data and publicly urged Governor Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers to revisit the SAFE-T Act, expand detainable offenses, and restore cash bail and a daily detention credit incentive.
January 9, 2026Supports Public Safety and Crime Control
Source: wcbu.org · researched August 21, 2026
Track record — General
General · 1 record
Was sworn in as interim Peoria County Sheriff after Brian Asbell resigned.
July 8, 2022
Source: 25newsnow.com · researched August 15, 2026
Race Chris Watkins is in:
- County Sheriff, Peoria County, Illinois · November 3, 2026 · Peoria County, Illinois · incumbent
Profile last researched August 9, 2026.