Meet The Candidates For San Diego County Sheriff

SAN DIEGO, CA — Voters will help decide who should serve as the next sheriff of San Diego County in the June 7 primary election.

Seven candidates are vying to replace retired Sheriff Bill Gore, who stepped down from the position in February after heading the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for 12 years.

In March, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors appointed Anthony Ray to temporarily fill the seat until voters elect a new sheriff. Ray, a 30-year veteran of the department, was sworn in as interim sheriff in April.

The candidates include: Charles "Chuck" Battle, a retired sheriff's sergeant; John "Gundo" Gunderson, a police captain; John Hemmerling, a chief criminal prosecutor; Kelly Martinez, San Diego County undersheriff; Juan Carlos "Charlie" Mercado, a combat infantry captain; Dave Myers, a retired sheriff commander; and Jonathan Peck, a peace officer.

The top two vote-getters in the primary will face off in the Nov. 8 election.

Patch sent questionnaires to the candidates in the race. Candidates answered questions about their professional background, their key priorities, and the best advice they ever received. Check out the candidate profiles below:

• Meet San Diego County Sheriff Candidate Charles 'Chuck' Battle
• Meet San Diego County Sheriff Candidate John 'Gundo' Gunderson
• Meet San Diego County Sheriff Candidate John Hemmerling
• Meet San Diego County Sheriff Candidate Kelly Martinez

View the campaign websites for the candidates:

• Charles "Chuck" Battle
• John "Gundo" Gunderson
• John Hemmerling
• Kelly Martinez
• Juan Carlos "Charlie" Mercado
• Dave Myers
• Jonathan Peck

ALSO SEE:

• San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore Announces Early Retirement
• Anthony Ray Sworn In As Interim San Diego County Sheriff
• 9 Cities Renew Contract With San Diego County Sheriff's Department
• Ballots Sent To San Diego County Voters For June Primary Election
• Vote-By-Mail Ballot Drop Box Locations In San Diego County