The filing deadline has passed for the May primary election, setting the stage for some key races in Hamilton County. The most high-profile contest will be the Republican primary for sheriff, as incumbent Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush is term-limited.

Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination: Dustin Dixon and John Lowes. Dixon has received the endorsement of former Hamilton County Sheriff and former Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter. Lowes has been endorsed by Quakenbush. No Democrat filed to run for sheriff.

One additional countywide race will be contested in the Republican primary. Incumbent Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison faces a challenge from Brad Craig, a former deputy coroner in Hamilton County.

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman is running for re-election and will not face a primary opponent. No Democrat filed for the commissioner’s race by the filing deadline.

There are also no contested primary races for the four Hamilton County Council seats on the ballot this year. However, a Democratic candidate has filed in each of the four council district races for the November general election.

Voters wishing to participate in the May primary must be registered by April 6. Early voting begins April 7, and Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 5.