Former Mineral County deputy Samuel “Ben” Banks secured a commanding victory in last Tuesday’s Republican primary for Mineral County Sheriff, defeating incumbent Ryan Funke with 60% of the vote.

Speaking after the election, Banks expressed both gratitude and excitement about the outcome. 

“I’m incredibly honored and thankful that the people of Mineral County have chosen me to serve,” he said.

Unofficial results showed Banks earning 963 votes compared with Funke’s 631. Voter participation in the sheriff’s race reached roughly 39% of registered county voters, while overall turnout countywide was approximately 47%. 

Although the contest took place during the primary election, no Democratic candidate entered the race. As a result, Banks’ Republican primary win effectively makes him the county’s next sheriff.

Funke has held the sheriff’s position since being elected three years ago. 

Early in his tenure, he became involved in a legal dispute with the Mineral County commissioners after they opposed his decision to hire a deputy. Commissioners argued the candidate had a history of misconduct allegations, leading to a prolonged court battle between the sheriff and the county. On May 13, Judge Vannatta ruled that the allegations against both Funke and the deputy candidate lacked merit.

Throughout his campaign, Banks highlighted that he had no involvement in the legal conflicts that have surrounded the Sheriff’s Office in recent years. 

Looking ahead, Banks identified three key priorities for his administration. He plans to strengthen connections between the Sheriff’s Office and local schools, improve coordination with county agencies on emergency and disaster preparedness, and intensify efforts to combat drug-related crime. 

Banks also said he intends to designate someone within the agency to serve as a public sffairs officer as an additional duty. 

“I believe it’s vital that residents are kept informed about what’s happening in their community,” Banks said. 

Before taking office, Banks said he intends to attend all county meetings and hopes to sit down with Funke to help ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities. Banks will take office on Jan. 1, 2027.

The position of west end Mineral County Commissioner had two contenders vying for the position against incumbent Duane Simons, who kept his seat capturing 41% of the votes. 

“I wish to thank all the folks of Mineral County. for reelecting me to my fourth term as county commissioner,” he stated. “Thank you for believing in me and the job you know I can do. I will continue to work hard for all of Mineral County by trying to create more jobs here so folks may prosper. I will continue to support our school system and the vital job they do. I will continue to support our hospital as it is very needed and used by many people in Mineral County. One of my goals is to try and get more affordable workforce housing, so please be very patient as this is something that doesn't happen overnight but we must keep trying. Once again, I must say thank you Mineral County.”

There were also two other contenders running for justice of the peace as Kim Taron is the incumbent. Because this was a nonpartisan election, she will be challenged by Buffy Kelly in the November general election. The primary election was to level the field to the two candidates who obtained the most votes. 

District Judge Shane Vannatta, Mineral County Clerk of Court Kelann McLees and Mineral County Treasurer/Superintendent of Schools, Merry Mueller all ran uncontended and will retain their current positions. 

Roy Miller was the only candidate for Mineral County District Attorney and will take his oath of office at the end of December with January 1, 2027, as his first day.

Jeff Stanek unseated Rep. Curtis Cochran for HD 90. This was Stanek’s second attempt for the position after losing to Cochran in the 2022 election.

Mineral County primary election results:

Unlabeled Race (Republican)

• Kurt Alme — 62% (861 votes)
• Lee Calhoun — 19% (268 votes)
• Charles Walking Child — 18% (252 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,381

United States Senator (Democrat)

• Reilly Neill — 38% (101 votes)
• Alani Bankhead — 35% (94 votes)
• Michael Black Wolf — 16% (44 votes)
• Christopher Kehoe — 7% (20 votes)
• Michael Hummert — 4% (10 votes)
• Total Votes: 269

United States Senator (Libertarian)

• Kyle Austin — 58% (7 votes)
• Tom Jandron — 42% (5 votes)
• Total Votes: 12

U.S. Representative – 1st Congressional District (Republican)

• Aaron Flint — 43% (630 votes)
• Christi Jacobsen — 25% (368 votes)
• Al “Doc” Olszewski — 21% (310 votes)
• Ray Curtis — 10% (144 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,452

U.S. Representative – 1st Congressional District (Democrat)

• Russell Cleveland — 52% (144 votes)
• Sam Forstag — 22% (62 votes)
• Ryan Busse — 20% (55 votes)
• Matt Rains — 6% (18 votes)
• Total Votes: 279

U.S. Representative – 1st Congressional District (Libertarian)

• Nick Sheedy — 100% (12 votes)
• Total Votes: 12

Supreme Court Justice #4 (Non-Partisan)

• Dan Wilson — 58% (923 votes)
• Amy Eddy — 42% (660 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,583

District Court Judge – District 4, Dept 5 (Non-Partisan)

• Shane A. Vannatta — 100% (1,367 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,367

State Representative – District 90 (Republican)

• Jeff Stanek — 58% (882 votes)
• Curtis J. Cochran — 42% (648 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,530

County Commissioner – West End (Republican)

• Duane Simons — 41% (617 votes)
• Steve Reid — 32% (480 votes)
• Debra Sheppard — 27% (404 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,501

County Clerk & Recorder (Republican)

• Kelann McLees — 100% (1,330 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,330

County Sheriff / Coroner (Republican)

• Samuel “Ben” Banks — 60% (963 votes)
• Ryan Funke — 40% (631 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,594

County Attorney (Republican)

• Roy Miller — 100% (1,210 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,210

County Treasurer / Supt. of Schools (Republican)

• Merry Mueller — 100% (1,316 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,316

Justice of the Peace (Non-Partisan)

• Kim Taron — 48% (841 votes)
• Buffy Kelly — 39% (693 votes)
• Shaia Maturino — 13% (224 votes)
• Total Votes: 1,758

Precinct Committee – Male (Alberton)

• Roman Zylawy — 65% (92 votes)
• Ron White — 35% (50 votes)
• Total Votes: 142

Precinct Committee – Female (Superior_25)

• Laura Acker — 65% (166 votes)
• Kim Bird — 35% (89 votes)
• Total Votes: 255

Precinct Committee – Male (Superior_25)

• Joshua W. Acker — 70% (181 votes)
• Mel Bird — 30% (77 votes)
• Total Votes: 258

Precinct Committee – Female (St. Regis)

• Emily Park — 76% (207 votes)
• Kimberly Fields-Mitchell — 24% (65 votes)
• Total Votes: 272

Precinct Committee – Male (Superior_30)

• James L. Lommen — 51% (225 votes)
• Luke Holmes — 37% (164 votes)
• John Squier — 12% (55 votes)
• Total Votes: 444

Precinct Committee – Female (Superior_30)

• Mary Jo Lommen — 77% (354 votes)
• Shaia Maturino — 23% (103 votes)
• Total Votes: 457