MADISON, Wis. -- A year ago, it would have been a race not many anticipated watching. However, in March, Dane County Sheriff Gary Hamblin said he was retiring, prompting three candidates to enter the race.

On Tuesday, the two Democratic candidates will square off to decide who faces Mike Hanson in November.

The two challengers are former police officer, sergeant and current Department of Justice employee Robbie Lowery and 26-year Dane County Sheriff's Department veteran Dave Mahoney.

"I am the one with so many law enforcement experiences since 1972. I've worked with municipal police departments, county, state departments and agencies around the state," said Lowery, Division of Administrative Services bureau director.

Mahoney also touted his experience.

"I bring 26 years of proven experience and proven leadership to that department, which I've been a part of, part of shaping and being involved in the budget process," Mahoney said.

Lowery said the top three issues he'd target after becoming sheriff are jail overcrowding, establishing programs to reduce gang violence and making sure all citizens have access to the department.

Mahoney said he would focus on more police visibility in light of violence downtown, diversifying the sheriff's department workforce and reducing jail overcrowding.

All three candidates for sheriff addressed a forum at Madison's downtown public library over the noon hour on Friday.

Domestic violence and sexual assault were the main topics of discussion, WISC-TV reported.

Mike Hanson, the Republican in the race, is currently the public information officer for the Madison Police Department.