Houston County sheriff says he will not seek re-election after 29 years

The Houston County sheriff told the commission on Feb. 17 that he will not seek re-election after 29 years in office, saying he wants to step back and “go home and cook for the town.”

The sheriff, speaking to the commission near the start of the meeting, said he was sworn in 29 years ago and listed improvements under his tenure, including equipment and programs obtained without asking the commission for funds. He thanked staff and commissioners for support and said his decision was personal, not health-related.

Commissioners and the mayor thanked the sheriff for his service. The mayor addressed the room afterward, offering “thank you” for the sheriff’s years of service to Houston County.

The sheriff did not announce a successor and said several candidates had indicated they would run; he also said he would remain available to help during the transition. There was no formal action tied to the announcement; the remark was presented as an informational address to the commission.