2024 Georgia General Elections

2024 GA Primary Election

2024 GA Primary Election Runoff

13WMAZ: Houston sheriff candidate looks to fulfill his grandmother's wish in run for office

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Jimmy was a president's honor graduate in the electronics program from Middle Georgia Technical College before it was Central Georgia Technical College. He is a single father to one son and attends Southside Pleasant Hill Church. He has volunteered as a coach for schools in Houston County.

Jimmy Dunn currently works as a program manager at a federal contracting company. Dunn worked as a senior electronics technician in the F-15 radar division at Robins Air Force Base and was an alternate supervisor for 10 years. 

Jimmy Dunn's campaign for County Sheriff in Houston County is his first entry into politics.

HHJ Online: FROM SPORTS TO SHERIFF: JIMMY DUNN ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN BID

Identified caring for those experiencing mental health crises and addiction as a key priority.

Wants to create a 'scared straight' program for the community's youth.

- Identified caring for those experiencing mental health crises and addiction as a key priority.
- Wants to create a 'scared straight' program for the community's youth.

Public Safety

As of March 19, 2024, Jimmy Dunn did not have a website or any information online.

Jail Management

Believes it's important for "an everyday person from the community" to be sheriff because of the "lack of trust factor in law enforcement these days."

- Believes it's important for "an everyday person from the community" to be sheriff because of the "lack of trust factor in law enforcement these days."

Criminal Justice

Ethics & Conduct

Jimmy Dunn

As of March 19, 2024, Jimmy Dunn did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Jimmy is a single father of one son. He was a president's honor graduate in the electronics program from Middle Georgia Technical College before it was Central Georgia Technical College. He attends Southside Pleasant Hill Church

Jimmy Dunn currently works as a program manager at a federal contracting company. Dunn worked as a senior electronics technician in the F-15 radar division.
During the 23 years he was there, he was an alternate supervisor for 10 years.
He was also a coach for schools around Houston County. He started out at Robins Air Force Base in 1999.

Jimmy Dunn has no experience in politics or law enforcement. 

- Identified caring for those experiencing mental health crises and addiction as key priorities.

LinkedIn

Matthew received a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice/law enforcement administration from the College of the Ozarks and a Master of Public Administration degree from Georgia College & State University. He is an active leader in the Southside Baptist Church High School Student Ministry.

Matthew works as an Investigations Lieutenant with the Houston County Sheriff's Office. He has worked with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) and the Warner Robins Police Department.

Matthew L. Moulton's campaign for county sheriff is his first entry into politics.

Candidate website

Decision 2024: Meet Matt Moulton, candidate for Houston County Sheriff

Said, "As your Sheriff, I will prioritize transparency and accountability... I believe in building trust through open communication and will work closely with both law enforcement agencies and the community to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity."

Prioritizes transparency and accountability through working with law enforcement agencies and the community.

Said, "As a supervisor of the Narcotics Unit, I understand firsthand the devastating impact of drug abuse on our community."

Supports addressing drug use and rehabilitation in the community.

Said, "As your Sheriff, my top priority will be to ensure the safety and security of the community. I will work tirelessly to enhance public safety measures."

The candidate's website says, "The safety of our schools and fostering positive development for our youth are essential."

Prioritizes school safety and "fostering positive development for our youth."

Said, "As a strong defender of the Constitution, I believe in the importance of protecting our Second Amendment rights."

Supports using a records management system to make policing decisions.

- Prioritizes transparency and accountability through working with law enforcement agencies and the community.
- Supports addressing drug use and rehabilitation in the community.
- Said, "As your Sheriff, my top priority will be to ensure the safety and security of the community. I will work tirelessly to enhance public safety measures."
- Prioritizes school safety and "fostering positive development for our youth."
- Opposes gun control.
- Supports using a records management system to make policing decisions.

Has experience in managing budgets and ensuring efficiency in operations within departments.

Plans to address the staffing shortage through increased focus on active recruitment.

- Has experience in managing budgets and ensuring efficiency in operations within departments.
- Plans to address the staffing shortage through increased focus on active recruitment.

Wants to address juvenile crime activity in the community.

- Wants to address juvenile crime activity in the community.

As of March 19, 2024, Matthew L Moulton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Matthew L Moulton

Matthew received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration from the College of the Ozarks and a Master of Public Administration in Public Administration from Georgia College & State University. He is an active leader in the Southside Baptist Church High School Student Ministry.

This is Matthew L. Moulton's first entry into politics.

Matthew L Moulton has deep ties to Houston County, where he resides. He is an active leader in the Southside Baptist Church High School Student Ministry. Moulton is a father to a 14-year-old daughter who attends Veterans High School. There is no information provided about where he attended school.

Matthew L Moulton is poised to become the Sheriff of Houston County, having been chosen as the successor by the current Sheriff Cullen Talton. His professional background includes serving the community as a law enforcement officer, and he has demonstrated leadership within this role. Specific details about his previous jobs within law enforcement are not provided.

As of May 3, 2024, Matthew L Moulton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

The candidate's website says, "Moulton... has made great strides throughout his career in law enforcement. Holding supervisory responsibilities for the Narcotics Unit and the Criminal Division, he has demonstrated his ability to effectively manage... key departments within the agency."

Has experience in managing budgets and ensuring efficiency in operations within departments.

Said, "...I believe there is still much work to be done in terms of public safety and the well-being of our citizens..."

Said, "I am dedicated to implementing effective strategies that combat crime, protect our neighborhoods, and create an environment where every Houston County citizen can thrive."

The candidate's website says, "Moulton embarks on this new journey towards Sheriff... carrying the message of safety, community partnership, and a steadfast commitment to the citizens of Houston County."

Said, "1. Experience: With a proven track record in law enforcement, I bring extensive experience in managing crucial units within the Sheriff's Department. I have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex situations and make sound decisions."

Said, "With a proven track record in law enforcement, I bring extensive experience in managing crucial units within the Sheriff's Department. I have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex situations and make sound decisions."

13WMAZ: 'I deserved to be reprimanded': Slate Simons discusses record of discipline and suspensions

Slate has a degree in business administration and management from Middle Georgia College. He is married and has four children. The family attends The Grove Church in Perry, where he is actively involved in the church's security and serves as a Youth Leader for high school students. 

Slate is the owner of Reece Heating & Air and Commercial Refrigeration. He previously worked as a Sales Executive at We Care Heating & Air. He also worked at the Houston County Detention Facility as a Sergeant of the Criminal Investigations Division, after being promoted several times from his start as a jailer. 

Slate Simons' campaign for county sheriff is his first entry into politics.

HHJ Online: MEET SLATE SIMONS: FIRST OF HOUSTON COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATES HOPES FOR COUNTY IMPACT

Plans to continue Sheriff Talton's work, leveraging his law enforcement and business expertise to efficiently manage the Sheriff's Office, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and maintaining public safety with a commitment to integrity and community collaboration.

Promises to "use his business experience to manage the Office efficiently to protect taxpayers." 

Plans to aggressively combat crime in the county, targeting gangs, drug cartels, and other threats, leveraging his law enforcement background and leadership skills to counter the national crime surge and protect families.

Hopes to establish a Citizens Academy and give citizens a straightforward pathway to becoming volunteer law enforcement or deputies.

Wants to establish an explorer program where children and teens can learn more about potential careers in public safety.

Said, "I will never allow Houston County to become a safe haven for criminal illegals."

- Promises to "use his business experience to manage the Office efficiently to protect taxpayers." 
- Plans to aggressively combat crime in the county, targeting gangs, drug cartels, and other threats, leveraging his law enforcement background and leadership skills to counter the national crime surge and protect families.
- Hopes to establish a Citizens Academy and give citizens a straightforward pathway to becoming volunteer law enforcement or deputies.
- Wants to establish an explorer program where children and teens can learn more about potential careers in public safety.
- Opposes gun control.
- Said, "I will never allow Houston County to become a safe haven for criminal illegals."

As of March 19, 2024, Slate Simons’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Aims to establish a rehabilitation program inside the jail funded by forfeitures from drug cases.

- Aims to establish a rehabilitation program inside the jail funded by forfeitures from drug cases.

Was suspended twice from his position as a detention deputy: once for reckless driving and once for inappropriate treatment of a stalking victim.

- Was suspended twice from his position as a detention deputy: once for reckless driving and once for inappropriate treatment of a stalking victim.

Slate Simons

Slate Simons has a degree in Business Administration and Management from Middle Georgia College. He is married to Cindy Simons, with whom he has four children. The family attends The Grove Church in Perry, where Slate is actively involved in the church's security and serves as a Youth Leader for high school students. 

Slate Simons is the owner of Reece Heating & Air and Commercial Refrigeration. He previously worked as a Sales Executive at We Care Heating & Air. He also worked at the Houston County Detention Facility as a Sergeant of the Criminal Investigations Division, after being promoted several times from his start as a jailer. 

As of May 13, 2024, Slate Simons’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Promises to "use his business experience to manage the Office efficiently to protect taxpayers." 
- Plans to aggressively combat crime in the county, targeting gangs, drug cartels, and other threats, leveraging his law enforcement background and leadership skills to counter the national crime surge and protect families.
- Hopes to establish a Citizens Academy and give citizens a straightforward pathway to becoming volunteer law enforcement or deputies.
- Wants to establish an explorer program where children and teens can learn more about potential careers in public safety.
- Supports guns.
- Says he "will never allow Houston County to become a safe haven for criminal illegals."

Slate Simons is a family man, married to Cindy Simons, with whom he has three sons and one daughter. The family resides in an unspecified location and attends The Grove Church in Perry, where Slate is actively involved in the church's security and serves as a Youth Leader for high school students. Details about where Slate attended school are not provided.

Slate Simons is the owner of Reece Heating & Air and Commercial Refrigeration, providing services to residential and commercial clients, including Wal-Mart stores in a specified region. Previously, he worked at the Houston County Detention Facility as a jailer, was a patrolman in the Patrol Division, and served on the Traffic Unit, where he specialized in reconstructing serious traffic accidents and investigations.

As of May 3, 2024, Slate Simons’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in prioritizing Houston County's safety, leveraging 20 years of law enforcement experience to address growing crime and maintain a secure environment for families as the region expands.

Believes in Slate's effective law enforcement, highlighting his success in drug seizures, capturing a kidnapper and armed robber, and resolving a significant fraud case, underscoring his reliability in critical situations.

The candidate's website says, "Slate Simons is the right choice to ensure Houston County elects a Sheriff with the ability to continue the tradition of professional, effective law enforcement to keep our families safe..."

Said, "It is vital that Houston County elect a sheriff with the ability to continue the tradition of professional, effective law enforcement to keep our families safe."

Supports continuing Houston County's tradition of professional law enforcement, leveraging his 20-year experience to ensure family safety, and is committed to being a people's Sheriff focused on protection and service.

The candidate's website says, "Slate understands that as Sheriff, he will work for the people of Houston County. He will always put citizens first and work every day to make our families proud."

HHJ Online: DA WILL KENDALL ANNOUNCES HOUSTON COUNTY SHERIFF BID

13WMAZ: Answer to the people' | Houston County DA officially puts hat in ring for 2024 sheriff

Will is originally from French Lick, Indiana. He has an associate's degree in criminal justice and a bachelor's degree in homeland security and public safety. He received his Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Law. He and his wife Jessica have two children. 

Will previously worked as the chief assistant district attorney in the Houston County District Attorney’s Office and an assistant district attorney in Crisp County. He served in the Marines. 

Will Kendall is the current District Attorney of Houston County. He was appointed in 2021 and is serving his first term.

Wants to make sure school resource officers have the proper equipment and training to keep Houston County public schools safe.

Plans to have the sheriff's office be fully staffed and have deputies receive necessary training.

Believes strengthening the relationship between the sheriff's office and the public can effectively address issues in the community.

As District Attorney, he created the Joint Law Enforcement Counter Narcotics Task Force in Houston County to address the fentanyl issue.

Said, "I would certainly be proactive about going after gangs, which ties into our serious violent felonies committed by juveniles, but also drug traffickers, people that are peddling poison that is killing our people in Houston County.”

- Wants to make sure school resource officers have the proper equipment and training to keep Houston County public schools safe.
- Plans to have the sheriff's office be fully staffed and have deputies receive necessary training.
- Believes strengthening the relationship between the sheriff's office and the public can effectively address issues in the community.
- As District Attorney, he created the Joint Law Enforcement Counter Narcotics Task Force in Houston County to address the fentanyl issue.
- Said, "I would certainly be proactive about going after gangs, which ties into our serious violent felonies committed by juveniles, but also drug traffickers, people that are peddling poison that is killing our people in Houston County.”

As of March 19, 2024, Will Kendall’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Will Kendall

Will is originally from French Lick, Indiana. He has an associate's degree in criminal justice and bachelor's degree in homeland security and public safety. He received his juris doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Law. He and his wife Jessica have two children. 

Will has an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety. He also has a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University. Will has a stepdaughter and a newborn girl with his wife Jessica. He is a Christian. 

Will is currently the District Attorney of Houston County. Previously, he worked as assistant district attorney in Houston County and the Cordele Judicial Circuit. He served 8 years in the Marines, as a military working dog handler and a Marine Criminal Investigator. 

Will Kendall is the District Attorney of Houston County. 

- Said, he is "committed to ensuring our SROs (school resource officers) are properly equipped to keep Houston County public schools safe... whether it be new technology or new training."
- Established the first DA (District Attorney) Joint Law Enforcement Counter Narcotics Task Force in Houston County to address "the crisis of Fentanyl."

Will has an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security & Public Safety, and a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law. Will has a step daughter and a newborn girl with his wife Jessica. He is a Christian. 

Will is currently District Attorney. Previously, he worked Assistant District Attorney in Houston County as well as in the Cordele Judicial Circuit. He served 8 years in the Marines, as a military working dog handler and a Marine Criminal Investigator. 

Will Kendall currently serves as District Attorney of Houston County. 

- Promises to be tough on crime.
- Prioritizes proactivity, having established the first DA Joint Law Enforcement Counter Narcotics Task Force in Houston County.
- Supports School Resource Officers in every school.

The County Sheriff is an elected official who acts as the chief law enforcement officer in their county. They are tasked with operating the county jails, keeping courtrooms secure during trials, and keeping the public safe through proper law enforcement. Each Sheriff's Office in Georgia may look a little different in how they hire and run their teams, but all County Sheriffs have the same duties. These duties include the following:

- Operating the county jail
- Providing court security
- Serving civil papers
- Executing arrest warrants
- Providing primary law enforcement within unincorporated areas of the county
- Working with city law enforcement officers to keep municipalities safe

The County Sheriff and their office are unique to other law enforcement agencies in that it has to answer to the people it serves. Historically, a turnover in the Sheriff’s office will likely result in noticeable change within the office, so voting for this office is a very effective way to vote approval or disapproval for how county law enforcement is conducted.

The chief law enforcement officer in the county

Houston County Sheriff, Republican Primary

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Candidates (4)

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Public Safety

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

Ethics & Conduct