Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione will seek re-election in 2026, citing staffing improvements, officer wellness initiatives, and major drug and gun seizures during his first term.
Cirencione has served as sheriff since January 2023. He said his campaign will focus on public safety, responsible leadership, and bipartisan collaboration.
“I’m running for re-election because Ontario County deserves a Sheriff’s Office that is fully staffed, well-trained, and supported — both on the streets and behind the scenes,” Cirencione said. “We have made tremendous progress, but there is more work to do.”
During his first term, the Road Patrol reached full staffing for the first time in more than six years, including three new positions to address higher call volumes. The Corrections Bureau reduced vacancies by 40 percent, and 911 Communications stabilized with only three openings out of 26 positions.
Cirencione also emphasized expanded support for officer wellness. Since January 2024, a doctor-level clinician has provided more than 700 confidential wellness sessions to officers and their families. The office has also expanded peer support programs, stress-management training, and trauma-response resources.
On enforcement, the sheriff said five investigators now work full-time on narcotics and gun trafficking cases. Two multi-jurisdictional investigations resulted in more than two dozen felony arrests, multiple convictions, 22 kilograms of cocaine, 2,700 fentanyl pills, 61 firearms, and $465,000 in recovered cash, most of which was returned to county taxpayers to fund equipment and technology.
Looking ahead, Cirencione said he plans to continue investing in officer wellness, maintain full staffing across bureaus, advance crime-fighting technology, and deepen community engagement.
Cirencione has 24 years of service in Ontario County law enforcement, including road patrol, investigations, emergency response, administration, and command leadership. He was elected sheriff in 2022 and lives in the county with his wife, Sue.
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