Expresses gratitude for supporters, admiration for hometown

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough was certainly disappointed with Tuesday’s primary election results — as he fell to challenger and fellow Republican David Marvin — but despite that outcome, the 40-year-old Three Rivers native had nothing but positive things to say about the community he’s served the past 12 years.

“I’ve been honored to work for the county the last 12 years,” McDonough told Watershed Voice Wednesday. “It’s been something I’ve always dreamed of, it’s been a pleasure. I want to thank my wife first and foremost, this has been an impossible summer for her, she’s just been my rock, and the rest of my family, my brother and sister-in-law, my aunt and uncle, have been there for me as well.”

Back in May, McDonough was charged with driving under the influence and having an open intoxicant after his vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a fence on Lovers Lane. Following the incident, McDonough was admitted to an area hospital for unrelated health concerns.

McDonough said while it’s been a long and trying summer, “It’s time to move on” and prepare his office to ensure a seamless transition come January.

“I will make sure that the prosecutor’s office is in good shape when Mr. Marvin takes office,” he said. “I love this community and I can only wish him the best of luck.”

McDonough said St. Joseph County is “an extremely special place with a ton of special people.”

“I can’t thank the people (enough) who have been there for me and supported me, especially this summer. It’s been very difficult and to have so many people reach out and just ask how I was doing reinforced the fact that I’ve spent my life in the greatest place in the world. […] And I’m not going anywhere, this is my home and I will continue to do everything I can to support this community.”

The University of Michigan alum said he doesn’t know what’s next for him or whether he’ll continue to practice law after his term expires but whatever it is, it’ll be in St. Joseph County.

“I don’t know what the next chapter is,” McDonough said. “I’ve still got a few things health wise I’ve still got to take care of — as I told the commissioners last week, I plan on being back, working in September — so we’ll see where things go. St. Joseph County is home to me, Three Rivers especially, is home to me. […] And I’ve spent my career on the good side of the law, and I don’t know if I can do other things. I just don’t know, I honestly don’t know.”

Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor of Watershed Voice.