Sheriff Race: 300-Vote Loss Sparks Write-In Push

Nationally, approximately 1,400 sheriffs face voters in the 2026 midterm cycle, but few races look like the one unfolding in Lee County, Alabama. The contest there was triggered by a margin of just 300 votes in the May Republican primary. Cameron Hunt, a former deputy, defeated long-serving Sheriff Jay Jones by that narrow count, setting the stage for a chaotic general election contest.

A grassroots group launched a write-in campaign for Jones weeks before the Tuesday election. Lee County resident Jack Carter, a former deputy and local furniture maker, said he received a phone call directing him to the effort. He placed a sign in the back of his black Ram pickup truck and posted a photo online. The campaign quickly gained visibility as signs appeared in yards and on local businesses.

Jones stated he was "humbled" by the support but insisted he was not involved in soliciting votes. He noted that the Alabama Republican Party threatened to remove him from the party due to the growing campaign. Carter described the atmosphere as "chaotic," noting that social media posts showed signs being stolen and accusations flying between the two camps.

The two candidates hold differing views on immigration enforcement and firearms policy. Jones said his office transferred over 450 individuals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody from the Lee County Jail in the last two years, though the office lacks a signed Memorandum of Understanding. He supports keeping concealed carry permits to limit guns in criminal hands. Hunt plans to sign a 287(g) agreement to deepen cooperation with federal agents. He also intends to end the county's contract with Flock intelligence software.

Jones has served as sheriff for more than 27 years. He stated that his tenure has provided stability, growing the office from 80 employees in 1999 to 230 today. The office operates on a budget of $25 million. Hunt, who was terminated by Jones in late October after announcing his primary run, filed a complaint with the Alabama Ethics Commission regarding the use of a GPS geofence around his home. The commission confirmed the complaint exists but did not disclose details.

Debra Beil, a resident who has lived in the conservative county for 35 years, supports Jones for his experience and gun safety programs. Chad Lanier, another supporter, cited a preference to avoid a heightened federal presence. Hunt said he is not worried by the write-in push and remains focused on taking office in January. He emphasized that he is the only candidate whose name appears on the ballot. Jones agreed that the vote reflects the will of the people, stating that the sheriff answers to the community.