Kaupas Keeps Lead in Sheriff Race

After provisional and absentee ballots were counted Tuesday, Ken Kaupas held on to his lead over fellow Republican Nick Ficarello in the Will County Sheriff's race.

On the night of the March 18 primary, Kaupas, the current deputy chief, led Ficarello by 223 votes. The numbers didn't budge much on Tuesday, with the final tally showing 224 votes separating the Republicans.

Ficarello, who worked for the sheriff's department for more than 30 years before retiring in 2009, has yet to concede the race. Vote totals remain unofficial until votes from Will County precincts under the Aurora Election Commission are factored in, and canvassing is completed on April 8.

Kaupas is set to face Democrat Mike Kelley in the November election in his bid to take over for his cousin, current Sheriff Paul Kaupas. 

Paul Kaupas opted not to seek re-election.

Kelley also currently works for the sheriff's department, serving as a lieutenant.