Two candidates are running for Erie County Sheriff. 

Chris Campanelli, who will run as a Democrat, announced his candidacy Wednesday evening. 

He said he will perform his duties as Erie County Sheriff without regard to politics, race, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation or opinion. 

"I will draw on my thirty years of service to our country and our community," said Campanelli. "My experience has been built by being a United States Marine, Deputy Sheriff, Lieutenant and currently third in command as the captain of the Sheriff's Office." 

Erie County Councilman Brian Shank, a Republican, has also announced his candidacy for Erie County Sheriff. 

Relatively new to politics, Shank has spent the last two years on Erie County Council. 

“Sheriff is a pretty wide spectrum position, they have a lot of moving parts, they have a lot of entities and the more things you can bring to the table as a candidate, that makes you a better candidate,” said Shank. “I’m an Army veteran, retired city police officer, state corrections officer and currently a proud member of the Fairfield Hose Company out in Harborcreek. I'm a fire police officer there, so I tell you community service is nothing new and I'm willing and ready for the challenge.”

Both Campanelli and Shank are vying for the seat that will be vacated by Erie County Sheriff John Loomis when he retires at the end of the year.