Norris wins big

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris won another four-year term Wednesday morning. 

With all 74 county precincts counted, Norris easily outpaced his three independent challengers with 61,853 votes, 69%. Dan Wilson was second with 19,609 votes, 22%.

Norris was elected to his first four-year term as Kootenai County sheriff in 2020 when he topped a four-person field with 9,931 votes, or 44.2%.

Norris said he believes he won again because he has been active in the community and crime is down in the county by about 15%. 

He pointed to events like coffee with the sheriff, town halls and open houses as a chance to meet the public and learn their concerns. And, it gave residents a chance to get to know him.

“That played a big role,” he said. “I think I’m probably the most engaged sheriff this county has ever seen."

Norris said his team's efforts to keep fentanyl out of the county and keep waters safe for boaters have paid off. 

“I think the Kootenai County voters realized all of that,” he said. 

Norris said the KCSO plans to keep doing what it’s been doing, as well as focusing on combating abuse and bringing social awareness to young adults and youth as it pertains to risks of social media. 

“I’m honored that the voters of Kootenai County have been pleased with my service,” he said late Tuesday.