The Mid-Hudson News Network reports that after the Ulster Democrat Committee endorsed retired State Trooper Juan Figueroa May 21 for sheriff, current Ulster County Sheriff Paul VanBlarcum says he will force a primary election to retain his seat. Van Blarcum has taken conservative positions recently about gun ownership, sanctuary cities, the National Football League, and other issues, while Figueroa has opinions that more closely align with Democrats. The four-term incumbent Democrat already has the Conservative endorsement, so he will be on the November ballot regardless of the primary result with Figueroa. Republicans have endorsed VanBlarcum before and Ulster County Republican Party Chairman Roger Rascoe, said they will do so again this year. “Our county and several communities in the area that have been deemed as among the safest communities in the country. I am not aware of any problems in the sheriff’s office or the jail operations,” Rascoe said. “I think Paul has served with dignity. He is a professional and is deserving of another term.” Read the full story in the Mid-Hudson News Network.